02 November 2023 , 22:42
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Nottingham Panthers are selling special memorial Adam Johnson jerseys to raise money for a charity picked by his family.
Johnson passed away following a horrific incident in a Challenge Cup match against Sheffield Steelers on Saturday. The 29-year-old sustained a gash to his neck following a collision with an opponent’s ice skate and was later pronounced dead at hospital.
While the police continue to investigate the circumstances of his death, the ice hockey community has been in mourning. The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has decided to introduce new laws to make it mandatory for players to wear neck guards from 2024.
The Panthers have been inundated with well wishes and tributes to Johnson and have decided to start a GoFundMe page in his memory, as well as selling replica No.47 jerseys with Johnson’s name on for £47. All money raised from the venture will go towards a charity chosen by Johnson’s family, who are based in Hibbing, Minnesota, in the United States.
The description on the fundraising page, which has already raised over the target of £47,000, reads: “Everyone at The Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our number 47, Adam Johnson, on Saturday 28th October 2023. Our thoughts and condolences remain with Adam’s family, his partner, and all his loved ones at this challenging time.
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“Nothing can undo the hurt that they and we are all feeling. The Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club have launched this official fundraiser, with the permission of Adam's family, to raise money for the ‘Love for Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund’.
Nottingham Panthers are selling Adam Johnson memorial jerseys to raise money for charity“The purpose of this fund is to support local charitable activities in the Hibbing area (Adam's home town) as selected by the Johnson Family. If you feel you can, please donate to this fundraiser in support of the fund established in Adam's memory. Thank you.”
Johnson’s family have written heartbreaking posts on social media about him. Johnson’s fiancee, Ryan Wolfe, wrote : "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always.”
Adam Johnson died aged 29 (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)Meanwhile, Johnson’s aunt, Kari Johnson, has called for a thorough investigation into what happened. "It was very reckless. I just want them to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam. We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation," she told The Sun.
"We were watching the game in real-time and we did witness what happened. Horrific is the word to describe. I just want them to get it right. It's not going to bring my nephew back. We just want to make sure they get it right.
"He was just a wonderful young man. He loved everybody, he was kind to everybody. He was generous. He was an amazing kid. We knew what a great kid Adam was, but we're finding out now since his passing how many lives he touched."