Panthers fans remember Adam Johnson one year on

Fans laid flowers in tribute to the late ice hockey player, Adam Johnson

BBC A woman with an ice hockey jersey with "Johnson 47" on the back stood next to flowers in memory of Adam Johnson — Fans laid flowers in tribute to the late ice hockey player, Adam Johnson

Hundreds of Panthers fans in Nottingham have laid tributes to ice hockey player Adam Johnson ahead of the year anniversary since his death.

The 29-year-old American suffered a fatal neck injury from a skate during a collision with Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave on 28 October 2023.

Below a plaque installed in Johnson's memory outside the Motorpoint Arena, fans laid flowers and left messages before the Panthers' game against Manchester Storm on Sunday

"Always our number 47", the tributes read.

A plaque placed in memory of Johnson on a wall of Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham

A circular black plaque placed in memory of Adam Johnson on a wall of Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham — A plaque placed in memory of Johnson on a wall of Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham

In the hours before the game, fans wore their Johnson number 47 shirts as they made their way to the arena - many carrying flowers.

The mood in Bolero Square was calm and solemn, as fans took the time to pay respects before heading into the arena.

Fans laid flowers with messages reading "forever our 47"

A bouquet of flowers with a message reading "forever our 47" on a piece of paper — Fans laid flowers with messages reading "forever our 47"

Dozens of flowers were laid beneath a plaque in Johnson's memory

A woman next to dozens of flowers laid beneath a circular black plaque in Adam Johnson's memory — Dozens of flowers were laid beneath a plaque in Johnson's memory

Applause for 47 seconds took place ahead of Panthers face-off against the Storm and across all other Elite League games to honour Johnson's memory.

The Sheffield Steelers, who Johnson was playing against when he died, paid their tributes to Johnson in their game against the Cardiff Devils on Saturday.

The Nottingham Panthers announced last year that his number 47 jersey would be retired, and that a special ceremony will take place ahead of their Elite League game against Fife Flyers on 14 December.

In tribute before the one-year anniversary, the Panthers said: "Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great team-mate and an incredible person.

"The club will never ever forget him."