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11 months ago
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Nottingham Panthers have paid tribute to Adam Johnson by painting a touching message to their former player on the ice at their home ground.
The 29-year-old former NHL star died after a tragic accident saw Johnson's throat slashed by an opponent's skate in a collision with Matt Petgrave on the ice during a match against Sheffield Steelers last month.
Around 8,000 fans were present at Sheffield Utilita Arena when the freak clash took place, and after being taken to hospital, Johnson was later pronounced dead due to a fatal neck injury.
On Tuesday, South Yorkshire Police announced a man had been arrested on charges of manslaughter and remains in police custody.
Tuesday saw the Panthers latest tribute unveiled following the death of their player.
Nottingham Panthers have painted an emotional tribute to Adam Johnson following the player's death in October
The player had his throat slashed by a skate in a fatal collision on the ice during a match against Sheffield Steelers
The player's partner Ryan Wolfe (left) had to identify Johnson following his tragic death on ice
Painted in club colours black and gold, the message 'Adam Johnson - Forever our 47' has been drawn on the ice at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena, alongside two hearts.
The ice played host to a memorial for fans and supporters to attend last week, which saw a book of condolence shared to be signed for Johnson's family, as well as hundreds of floral tributes left at the arena in memory of the player.
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.
Fans gathered at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena to take part in a memorial arranged by the club
Supporters queued up to sign a book of condolence for Johnson's family, many of whom attended the fateful match
At Nottingham Forest, fans applauded on the 47th minute - which also saw the side score
Johnson was laid to rest in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota last week after an inquest into his death was opened in Sheffield
The team said: 'If you have been affected by the game last weekend and the loss of Adam - and you feel that you may need some additional help and support - local mental health charities will be in the Motorpoint Arena foyer for those that want to have a conversation.'
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, and the Panthers will host an 'Adam Johnson Memorial Match' versus Manchester Storm on Saturday.
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