Family, friends celebrate Adam Johnson in Hibbing, Minn.: ‘Always will be our hometown hero’

In a heartfelt memorial service in Hibbing, Minnesota, Adam Johnson’s loved ones remembered him for his quick wit, genuine personality, and infectious smile. The event, held at Hibbing Memorial Arena, drew a crowd of approximately 3,000 people who gave Johnson a standing ovation after his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, read a heartfelt letter she wrote for him. Wolfe described Johnson as a special person with a great sense of humor, a kind heart, and a quick wit. She expressed her gratitude for having loved him and being unconditionally loved by him.

The memorial took place nine days after Johnson’s tragic death in a game in Britain’s top hockey league. Johnson, who played for the Nottingham Panthers in England, sustained a severe neck injury from a skate during an on-ice collision. Attendees at the memorial included Johnson’s family, close friends, as well as members of the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues.

During the service, Jake Doherty, a friend and former teammate from Hibbing/Chisholm High, referred to Johnson as the town’s hero. He expressed the difficulty of moving forward without Johnson and the hope that their cherished memories together would eventually bring healing. Doherty encouraged young hockey players in the crowd to emulate Johnson’s qualities of hard work, humility, and pride in their origins.

Ebony Johnson, Johnson’s sister-in-law and childhood friend, spoke about the special bond between Johnson and her children. She described him as gentle, funny, and playful, as well as protective, wise, and understanding.

Hibbing/Chisholm High school will retire Johnson’s No. 7 jersey on December 5th in honor of him.

Michael Pechnovnik, Johnson’s cousin and high school teammate, shared that Johnson’s impact went beyond his hockey career and his jersey number. Pechnovnik emphasized the authentic and genuine friendships that Johnson formed with people around the world.

The memorial concluded with the playing of AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” a tribute to Johnson’s love for music. At the age of 13, Johnson had bought a deep ocean blue guitar to pursue his passion for playing the instrument.

Before joining the Nottingham Panthers, Johnson had played college hockey for the University of Minnesota Duluth and had a brief stint in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In his time with the Penguins, Johnson scored a goal and three assists in 13 games over two seasons.

Following Johnson’s death, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) made neck guards/protectors mandatory for players in all levels of English Ice Hockey, except the EIHL where the Panthers compete. The South Yorkshire Police are still investigating the circumstances of Johnson’s death, and their inquiry is ongoing.

(Photo: Michael Russo / The Athletic)