.png)
1 year ago
56
Nottingham Panthers have released an additional 300 tickets for their 'Adam Johnson Memorial Game' following the tragic death of the player in October.
Johnson was killed after his throat was slashed with a skate during a collision as the Panthers faced the Sheffield Steelers on October 28th.
The 29-year-old was rushed to hospital but later pronounced dead of a fatal neck injury following the horror accident.
On Tuesday, a man was arrested on charges of manslaughter, and remains in police custody.
Around 8,000 people were present at Sheffield's Utilita Arena and saw the clash take place, in an event which has shocked and saddened ice hockey fans the world over.
Adam Johnson was killed in a tragic accident during a match against Sheffield Steelers at the end of October
Panthers fans previously paid tribute to their player's life by signing a book of condolence
The club will pay further homage to Johnson with a memorial match in his name on Saturday
Following their exit from the Challenge Cup in the wake of Johnson's death, the Panthers will take to the ice once again on Saturday in a memorial game in the player's name versus Manchester Storm.
The Storm squad are set to wear a specially comissioned 'Johnson 47' jersey on the ice, and all the funds raised by the sale of the limited edition jerseys after the game will go to the 'Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund'.
The fund was created following Johnson's death, and will aim to support charitable activities in Johnson's hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota selected by his family.
Following the release of additional tickets, Saturday's game will likely be stuffed with supporters keen to pay further tribute to Johnson.
The club previously hosted a memorial which saw hundreds of fans attend the event at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena to sign a book of condolence for Johnson's family, and leave floral tributes.
Fans could be seen hugging and wiping away tears as they looked at the tributes and lined up on the ice to sign the condolence book, for which a carpet had been laid to allow people to walk into the bowl.
Panthers fan Michelle Hallam had attended the fateful match with her young son and 40 of his classmates, making sure he put his head down when it became clear Johnson had been grievously injured.
She told BBC News her son 'wanted to see all the tributes' despite what had happened, adding that he was 'on edge' just walking near the arena.
The Panthers said in a statement issued earlier that the tragedy was 'still very raw' for players and staff. A two minute silence was scheduled for 8.20pm.
Hundreds of flowers were left outside Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena in the wake of accident
The club also painted an emotional message onto the ice ahead of Saturday's memorial game
With the release of an additional 300 tickets, the stands are likely to be packed for the weekend's special game
On Tuesday, the club unveiled artwork painted onto the ice which read 'Adam Johnson - Forever our 47' alongside two hearts.
Nottingham Forest also commemorated the player's life in the wake of his passing by holding a minute's applause on the 47th minute.
A banner of Johnson's jersey was unfurled as all four sides of the City Ground stood to clap and cheer for the player - with the minute also seeing the home side score against opponents Aston Villa, courtesy of Orel Mangala.
Johnson's former NHL side Pittsburg Penguins held their own tribute to the player ahead of their match against Ananheim Ducks in the wake of the tragedy.
English (US)