He’s always on everyone’s minds. This Saturday evening, the Nottingham Panthers, the team of Adam Johnson, who died after having his throat cut by a skate on October 28, played a first match in memory of his player against the Manchester Storm. If the result, a draw (4-4), is anecdotal, the tribute from the players and the public is much less so.
The stadium was completely full this Saturday to pay a final tribute to the hockey player who tragically passed away. In the 47th minute of the match, Adam Johnson’s number, the spectators stood up as one and applauded warmly, accompanying their applause with chants in praise of the player. Before kick-off, the players had already gathered in a circle near a jersey of the deceased.
At the end of the match, the French coach of this Nottingham team, Jonathan Paredes, could not hide his emotion. “It was a very special evening,” he said. I don’t have many words, I’m very proud of the boys, the staff, the organization, all the support we receive, whether from the fans or from the whole world. We are moving forward step by step. The applause at the stadium warmed my heart. Seeing the stadium full for Adam was fantastic. We all remember the good memories with Adam and that’s what we wanted. Adam Johnson was a good man, I really enjoyed working with him. He was a good teammate, a good boy, I only have good things to say about him. »
Crosses in the air, chants and standing audience
Despite the parity score, the two teams gathered one last time in a circle after the final whistle. Sticks in the air, they had a last thought for their teammate or opponent, while the audience chanted “Adam Johnson!” Adam Johnson! » A splendid tribute for a player who died tragically, in still doubtful circumstances. Canadian Sheffield player Matt Petgrave, whose skate blade caused Johnson’s fatal injury, remains under investigation for “manslaughter.”
