Nottingham Panthers to retire Adam Johhnson's number later this season

After the tragic passing of Adam Johnson during an EIHL game while playing as a member of the Nottingham Panthers the team has announced that they will be retiring his no. 47 before the December 14th game against the Fife Flyers.

Johnson's life was tragically cut short when the skate of opponent Matt Petgrave came up and sliced his neck. While medical personnel jumped into action, Johnson's life could not be saved. At the time of Johnson's passing, Petgrave appeared to face serious consequences however he has been released from custody while officials investigate what led to Johnson's death and if charges that were initially filed will hold up in court.

Over a year later, the death of Johnson is still talked about and in fact, due to the events of that day leagues across the world have begun to institute mandatory neck protection with the hopes that it would not happen again to anyone.

While the honour of having his number retired by the Panthers is a wonderful gesture and the fact that the incident was a fluke accident, it will not bring Johnson back to those who loved him as well as a team and a league that embraced him.