Mourners gather in Sheffield to pay tribute to late ice hockey player Adam Johnson
The 29-year-old player died after getting cut on the neck during a game in Sheffield
Last updated 4th Nov 2023
Mourners are set to gather at Sheffield Arena to pay tribute to ice hockey star Adam Johnson.
Johnson, who played for the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team, died last Saturday (October 28) at the age of 29 after sustaining a fatal cut to the neck during a match against the Sheffield Steelers.
Fans will gather in front of the arena and hold a minutes silence at 8pm, as well-wishers continue to leave flowers and tributes to the centre player.
Meanwhile, a book of condolences will be opened at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena, the home ground for Nottingham Panthers, for people to leave their own tribute and messages to the family and friends of Adam, who was a popular figure in the team's line-up.
Other ice hockey teams around the UK will also pay tribute to Adam later tonight, with the Bristol Pitbulls - who have their first game since the tragedy aiming to pay tribute to Adam during the 47th minute of the match - a tribute to the 47 jersey he used to wear.
The moves come as the Elite Ice Hockey League ruled that neck guards will not be made mandatory in the wake of the death of the star player.
The official governing body for the sport, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) announced it would make the protective gear compulsory for players. However, the Elite League falls outside of EIHA's remit.
Instead, the Elite Ice Hockey League will "strongly encourage" players and officials to wear the neck guards in the wake of Adam's death.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Elite Ice Hockey League paid tribute to the centre player, saying: "We are devastated by the loss of Adam's life, and our thoughts remain with his family, team mates and everyone else affected during this difficult time."