‘He lit up a room’: Former Penguin Adam Johnson’s number retired by Nottingham Panthers after death

PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson had his number 47 retired by the Nottingham Panthers on Saturday.

Johnson, 29, was playing for the Panthers when his neck was cut by an opposing player’s skate during a game on Oct. 28, 2023. He died after the incident.

>> Former Penguins forward Adam Johnson dies after on-ice incident

“Adam was a top player, but he was an even better human being,” Panthers CEO Omar Pacha said at a pre-game ceremony.

“His humble nature was something unique, especially for a player with such a high pedigree,” Pacha added. “Players who have played at the highest level can sometimes come with an ego, but Adam did not have this. A quiet, positive leader, a committed player that guys loved and a huge calming presence in the locker room.”

>> Former Penguin Adam Johnson to have number retired by Nottingham Panthers after death

Johnson’s family was in attendance for Nottingham’s 6-0 win.

“Adam was genuine. He was humble, modest, down to earth and never boasted about his accomplishments,” said aunt Lynn DeGrio, who spoke on behalf of the Johnson family. “He lit up a room with his little smile and quick and witty comments.”

Johnson’s shirt is the seventh jersey in team history to be hung in the rafters.

South Yorkshire Police have not determined if charges will be filed in Johnson’s death. A man, whose name has not been released, remains under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, the Associated Press reports.

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