The former NHL team-mates of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who was killed during a game in Sheffield on Sunday, have paid a moving tribute to their friend, remembering him as a “great guy” and a “happy person”.
Johnson, of Nottingham Panthers, died after a horrific collision in which he was struck in the neck by the stray boot blade of Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave.
South Yorkshire Police are investigating the incident described as “freak” by Johnson’s club.
On Monday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins – with whom Johnson made his NHL debut in 2019 – held a number of tributes to their former player before their home game against Anaheim Ducks.
Before the face-off, a black and white photograph of Johnson was shown on the big screen in the middle of the ice.
Instead of a moment of silence, the Penguins asked for one final cheer for Johnson, as fans applauded and players tapped their sticks around the centre circle.
The club played a touching video of Johnson’s highlights as a Penguin, including his NHL debut against Nashville Predators and a goal in his home state, against Minnesota Wild, later in the same year.
Forever a part of the Penguins family.
Just now at PPG Paints Arena: “Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and cheer, one more time, for #47, Adam Johnson.” pic.twitter.com/SBrBPlSF33
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 30, 2023
The Penguins also wore special helmets with the decal “AJ 47” – Johnson’s former jersey number.
Players from both teams formed a circle before the game in a show of support for Johnson’s family and friends.
Sidney Crosby, the Penguins’ captain who played with Johnson in Pittsburgh, said the 29-year-old’s death has been on the minds of everyone at the club.
“It’s something that we’ve all been thinking about,” Crosby said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Crosby added that Johnson, who played 13 times for the Penguins before leaving in 2020, had been “a great guy and “a great team-mate” who “had an awesome attitude while he was here”.
“Just genuinely happy to be playing in the NHL.”
Crosby on the loss of Adam Johnson: “It’s something that we’ve all been thinking about. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Just a great guy, a great teammate, had an awesome attitude while he was here. Just genuinely happy to be playing in the NHL.” pic.twitter.com/ZgHrlTTvQb
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 30, 2023
Asked about his memories of Johnson, Crosby said: “A few. I think his first goal, definitely. To see him score in his home state was pretty cool.
“And just the way he skated. There’s some guys that, when you get out there with them, they can just flat out fly. He was one of them. He could motor out there. I remember skating with him for the first time, and that was the first thing that stood out.”
Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who played in Pittsburgh with Johnson during the Covid pandemic, said: “Adam was such a joyful person. I remember playing a lot of tennis with him in the bubble, and let me tell you, he was a good player…
“I think just the way he carried himself, just a happy person in general – we’re sure going to miss him.”
Joseph on his memories of Adam Johnson: “Adam was such a joyful person. I remember playing a lot of tennis with him in the bubble, and let me tell you, he was a good player. I think just the way he carried himself, just a happy person in general – we’re sure going to miss him.” pic.twitter.com/gCtpxHCLNT
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 30, 2023
Mike Sullivan, the Penguins’ coach said Johnson’s death is an “incredible tragedy”.
“He was a great kid,” Sullivan said. “It was a privilege to be his coach… And boy, he could really skate.”
Moments of silence were held in other matches around the NHL on Monday night.
The English Ice Hockey Association reacted to Johnson’s death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards from next year.
Hockey manufacturer Bauer has called for a mandate on cut-resistant neck protection in the NHL.
TJ Oshie, the Washington Capitals winger who co-owns the Warroad Hockey equipment company, said he has received about 100 texts from other players asking about cut-resistant materials and that his company’s entire stock sold out on Sunday, the day after Johnson’s death.
“It’s just crazy, sad, and we don’t have anything left,” Oshie said. “We’re thinking about his family first. We’ll try to get as many products out there as we can for people.”
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