In a heartfelt gesture, Sheffield Steelers players saluted Adam Johnson by lifting their sticks skyward.
Aaron Fox, the coach of Sheffield Steelers, expressed admiration for his team as they played their first home game since the tragic passing of Nottingham Panthers’ player Adam Johnson.
Johnson, 29, suffered a fatal neck injury during a game against the Steelers at Utilita Arena Sheffield on October 28.
“This evening’s game transcended the sport of hockey,” Fox stated during an interview with BBC Radio Sheffield.
He continued, “Our players and staff have earned my profound respect.”
Over the weekend, the Steelers faced Manchester Storm in the Challenge Cup, followed by a narrow 2-1 victory in overtime against Coventry Blaze in the Elite League.
Nottingham Panthers are preparing for a commemorative game against Manchester at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday. This will be their first appearance since Johnson’s death. The Panthers will don special jerseys in Johnson’s honor, which will be auctioned to support a fund created in his memory.
The Steelers’ jerseys featured a tribute to Johnson, with his number 47 adorned on the collar.
‘Display of Mental Fortitude’
Reflecting on the emotional toll on his players, who were present during Johnson’s accident, Fox shared his thoughts.
“The weekend was emotionally and physically demanding,” he remarked.
“Our team demonstrated immense mental strength throughout this ordeal. It was vital for us to come together and start moving forward. This tragedy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on us for a very long time,” Fox acknowledged.
Listen to the complete interview with Coach Fox
The arena, filled with over 8,000 fans, participated in a minute-long applause in memory of Johnson before the Steelers-Coventry game. The players also honored him by tapping their sticks on the ice.
Additionally, there was applause for Matt Petgrave, whose skate inadvertently injured Johnson.
“Matt has received an outpouring of support from the hockey community,” Fox noted.
“He’s been actively seeking help and certainly appreciated the positive response from the audience.”
In the wake of Johnson’s accident, there have been calls for mandatory neck guards in ice hockey. The Steelers players all wore them for this game, a decision Fox supports wholeheartedly.
“I am glad that our team unanimously agreed to wear neck guards. It’s a significant step forward,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sheffield Steelers Tribute
What happened to Adam Johnson, the Nottingham Panthers player?
Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old player for the Nottingham Panthers, tragically passed away following a severe neck injury incurred during a match against the Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena Sheffield on October 28.
How did the Sheffield Steelers pay tribute to Adam Johnson?
The Sheffield Steelers honored Adam Johnson by wearing jerseys with his number, 47, on the collar, and by raising their sticks before their game against Coventry. Over 8,000 fans also participated in a minute’s applause for Johnson.
What did Aaron Fox, the coach of Sheffield Steelers, say about the team’s response?
Aaron Fox praised his team for their mental strength and resilience during this difficult time, emphasizing that the game was about more than just hockey and acknowledging the long-lasting impact of the incident on everyone involved.
Was there any tribute for Matt Petgrave, the player involved in the incident?
Yes, there was applause during the match for Matt Petgrave, who has been receiving support from the hockey community and has been actively seeking help for the emotional impact of the incident.
Have there been any safety measures considered following Adam Johnson’s death?
Following the incident, there has been a call for neck guards to become compulsory in ice hockey. For their game post the incident, all Sheffield Steelers players wore neck guards, a safety measure supported by coach Aaron Fox.
More about Sheffield Steelers Tribute
- Sheffield Steelers Official Website
- BBC Radio Sheffield Interview with Aaron Fox
- Elite League Ice Hockey News
- Nottingham Panthers Memorial Game Information
- Ice Hockey Safety Equipment Guidelines
5 comments
the Steelers really stepped up here, good on them for supporting neck guards, safety first guys
Aaron Fox seems like a solid coach, dealing with this and keeping the team together, not an easy job
wow, such a sad story. really shows how dangerous sports can be sometimes, thoughts are with Johnson’s family…
Neck guards should’ve been mandatory ages ago, hope other teams follow the Steelers’ lead soon. too late for adam but let’s prevent future tragedies
Can’t believe this happened in our city… so tragic. props to the team for handling it with so much respect