Adam Johnson memorial: Fallen hockey player’s devastated fiancee says she will ‘never stop’ thinking about him as family and friends celebrate his life

In a heartbreaking celebration of his life service, fallen hockey star Adam Johnson was remembered by his family and friends on Monday afternoon.

The Nottingham Panthers hockey player, aged just 29, died last month after his throat was slit in a tragic on-ice collision.

And at Hibbing Memorial Arena in Hibbing, Minnesota — where Johnson played high school hockey — his fiancée and countless others remembered him after he was laid to rest Sunday.

Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, read a letter to the man she wanted to marry, calling him her “everything.”

“You have been so incredibly supportive and kind to me since the day we met,” she said, alongside her sister. “And I couldn’t have been more grateful for it. I always thought that if I was lucky, after a life together, I might become more like you.

Johnson and Wolfe, who were planning to get married, are seen in an undated photo

Johnson, 29, was killed after his throat was slit by an opponent’s knife during a match

Friends and family gathered Monday at Hibbing Memorial Arena to remember Johnson

‘You are such a special person, you have the best sense of humor, the biggest heart, the quickest wit and the kindest soul. You are incredibly loyal, dedicated and smart. You are so, so smart.

‘Whether it’s school or life in general, you seem to have it all figured out, which gave me so much peace and comfort, and made me feel like we could do anything, or be anything, and all be well would come. . We would be happy.

Wolfe said her late fiancé had discussed plans with her to run a farm or start a coffee shop.

“I just hope they let you have your farm and all the cows and chickens your heart desires.

She ended her speech by saying, “To me, you were everything. you were my home, my best friend, my sounding board, my rock, my safe haven and the love of my life.

“I will never stop thinking about you, missing you and loving you until we can be together again. Love you.’

Wolfe’s sister said she had “never seen her happier than when she was with (Johnson)”

Wolfe’s sister added, “Adam brought a beautiful light to every moment spent with him. We will all miss Adam’s smile and laugh, but what I will miss most is seeing how happy Ryan was with Adam. I have honestly never seen her so happy as when she was with him.’

Panthers CEO Omar Pacha and assistant coach Kevin Moore were also in attendance.

“As quiet as Adam seemed, he was very caring and well-liked around his teammates,” Pacha said. He was greatly appreciated by everyone… but the coaching staff probably even more so.

‘How can you blame them? The best player on the team, hard working, infectious smile without ego and loved coming to the rink every day

Pacha later continued: “Always humble, always polite, always grateful: that was our number 47.”

Other speakers included Neal Pionk of the Winnipeg Jets (a former youth teammate of Johnson), college teammate Parker Mackay, college coach Scott Sandelin and family friend Grant Clafton.

Nottingham Panthers CEO Omar Pacha (left) and assistant coach Kevin Moore spoke

University of Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin was also in attendance

And family friend Grant Clafton also said some moving words on stage

Clafton, the coach of the Grand Rapids (Minnesota) High School hockey team, called Johnson a “cheerful grump.”

However, the latter added: ‘In recent years the cheerful grumbling has only become cheerful. And we all know Ryan was the reason.”

In addition to the personal attendees, more than 4,400 people were also in the loop at any given time livestream of the service.

In his obituary, his family wrote, “He was many things to many people, but to those fortunate enough to have Adam loved him, he knew him to be thoughtful, patient and truly authentic.

“He loved his fiancée, family and friends above all else. His loving and calm demeanor will be forever missed.”