Adam Johnson's teammates speak out publicly on Sunday.
Adam Johnson's teammates from the Nottingham Panthers spoke publicly for the first time since his passing.
The hockey community was shocked this weekend by the sudden and extremely tragic passing of former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson. Johnson was injured in a terrible freak accident when he was cut on the neck by the skate of an opposing player, an injury that would tragically prove to be fatal.
As you might imagine there are a ton of people who have been left reeling from this tragedy including Johnson's friends, family, teammates, fans, and the community in Sheffield where this incident took place. On Sunday, Johnson's teammates and members of the community gathered to commemorate his life and to mourn his passing, with many bringing flowers and gifts in honor of Johnson's memory.
We also heard from Johnson's team and teammates for the first time since the incident with many players understandably showing a great deal of emotion, still reeling from the shock of what they witnessed just one day ago. With teary-eyed players assembled behind him, Nottingham Panthers coach Kevin Moore also did his best to offer some kind words to members of the community who have also been left devastated by the news of the young man's passing.
"We all want you to know that we're all grieving this together," said coach Kevin Moore. "The team, the community, the city, and we're all going to get through this together with a lot of love, a lot of thought, and a lot of laughter. As time goes on we're all going to heal and we're going to do it together. Our group is strong, we're connected and we're going to do you guys proud. We appreciate everybody coming out today and everybody thanks you for the support and we love you all."
There are no doubt many who will never fully recover from the tragedy they experienced first hand on Saturday, but I do take comfort in the fact that the community and the team have rallied together to support one another at this terrible time.
I would like to once again extend my deepest condolences to the Johnson family, Johnson's loved ones, the Nottingham Panthers, the Sheffield Steelers, and the communities in both of those cities as well.
