'FOREVER OUR 47'
Heartbroken teammates of Adam Johnson pay tribute to star at first ice hockey game since his tragic death
Johnson died when an opposing player’s skate slashed his neck
ADAM Johnson's heartbroken teammates have paid tribute to the star in their first ice hockey game since his tragic death.
The Nottingham Panthers took to the ice at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday evening in a memorial game "to celebrate the life of Adam and the remarkable person he was".
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The Panthers hoped the game would bring players and fans together as they try to move forward from Johnson's death in a horrific mid-game accident last month.
It opened with a special tribute to Johnson - and 10,000 fans will rise for a minute's applause in the 47th minute, in a nod to his no. 47 shirt number.
The crowd chanted Johnson's name and clapped as both teams formed a circle on the halfway line and banged their sticks against the ice.
Panthers fan Margaret Cartwright said: "We're not just hockey fans - we're a hockey family.
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"In a split second something went wrong and unfortunately, we lost poor Adam."
A huge sign above the rink showed Johnson's face and heralded him as 'Forever Our 47'.
The Nottingham Panthers announced that it is retiring Johnson's No. 47 jersey.
His family watched the game from their home in the US state of Minnesota.
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Johnson's teammates wore protective neckguards as they took to the ice.
The friendly match against Manchester Storm will not affect either team's Elite Ice Hockey League standings.
Johnson, 29, died when an opposing player’s skate slashed his neck during a game in Sheffield on October 28.
He immediately fell to the floor and was helped towards the side of the rink at the Utilita Arena, but collapsed again a few paces later.
The former NHL player received emergency medical treatment on the ice, with his girlfriend by his side, before he died of his injury in hospital.
A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of the ice hockey star has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
His dad Davey, grandma and aunt Kari watched the horrific incident unfold via a livestream from their home in Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Johnson's fiancée revealed a heartbreaking letter she wrote for their wedding before his death.
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