Several tributes have been placed in memory of Adam Johnson outside Nottingham’s Motorpoint Stadium ahead of the American’s memorial match.
The ice hockey star was killed after cutting his throat in a crash during the Nottingham Panthers’ game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28.
It has since emerged that Johnson bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe, which she found at their home.
On Tuesday, South Yorkshire Police arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with Johnson’s death.
His teammates return to the ice Saturday night to play in a memorial game, with many fans in attendance carrying posters and tributes to Johnson.
Hundreds of flowers were placed outside the stadium in honor of Adam Johnson
The “Forever Our 47” sign is a touching tribute to the number Johnson wore in England and in the NHL.
Fans gather with posters of Johnson ahead of a memorial match hosted by the former Nottingham Panthers team
The Panthers haven’t played since that game on Oct. 28, but they took to the ice to play the Manchester Storm in Johnson’s memory.
Fans were photographed outside laying flowers and holding posters bearing the American’s name and number 47.
The “Forever Our 47” reference is a poignant tribute to the number Johnson wore in England and in the NHL.
Many fans came to watch the match and pay their respects to the ice hockey star
Johnson was just 29 years old when the tragic accident occurred during a game against the Sheffield Steelers
Johnson’s name was reportedly chanted during the memorial game and before the start of the game players from both teams gathered in a circle on the ice and banged their sticks on the ice while the crowd applauded.
A coroner’s inquest into Johnson’s death was opened last week, before being postponed until January 2024.
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement confirming that the man remains in police custody following his arrest on Tuesday.
Following the opening of the inquest, coroner Tanika Rawdin called for neck protectors to be made mandatory across sport.
Johnson’s helmet was also among many flowers and photos placed outside the stadium
Fans wore T-shirts bearing the American’s name as they watched many touching tributes take place
Photos of Johnson playing for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins were also placed on the outside
Emotional and touching personal messages were attached to many of the flowers as people paid their respects
