Nottingham Panthers will RETIRE Adam Johnson’s No 47 jersey in tribute to the ex-NHL star following his tragic death from an on-ice collision last month

Nottingham Panthers have announced they will retire their number 47 jersey in tribute to Adam Johnson following his death from an on-ice collision.

Johnson was pronounced dead after colliding with Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave during a match last month.

The news was announced in a post on the Panthers’ social media.

“We are honored to announce that we are retiring Adam Johnson’s #47 jersey. Forever our 47.’

The Panthers took to the ice for the first time since the October 28 match in a memorial match against the Manchester Storm at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday.

Nottingham Panthers have announced they will retire Adam Johnson’s number 47 jersey following his death last month

The former Pittsburgh Penguins player died last month after an on-ice collision during a game

The Panthers took the ice for the first time since the fatal incident on Saturday in a memorial game against the Manchester Storm

Players from both teams gathered before the match to pay their respects to Johnson, with fans in the venue applauding in the 47th minute in tribute to his squad number.

Outside the arena, fans laid wreaths, flowers and jerseys to pay tribute to Johnson, who joined the team from German side Augsburger Panther this summer.

South Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation into Johnson’s “tragic and unprecedented” death, but said that due to the “complex nature” of the incident, a “wider investigation will take some time.”

Police also called the incident a ‘freak accident’.

Petgrave has not been seen in public since the incident but has reportedly been left ‘absolutely distraught’ and has also received ‘vicious messages’ from trolls on social media.