Adam Johnson: Nottingham Panthers lose to Belfast Giants on return to league action
- Published
The Belfast Giants ran out 4-2 winners as the Nottingham Panthers returned to competitive action following the death of Adam Johnson
The Nottingham Panthers fell to a 4-2 defeat at home to the Belfast Giants on their return to competitive action following Adam Johnson's death.
Johnson, 29, died after his neck was cut by a skate while playing against Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.
The Panthers' Elite League return against the Giants came a week after a memorial match with Manchester Storm.
The crowd chanted Johnson's name in the 47th minute in reference to the late American's jersey number.
The Panthers announced they would retire Johnson's number following his death.
Almost a month on from Johnson's death, the Panthers returned to the ice in the Elite League and there was a fast start at the Motorpoint Arena as Daniel Tedesco fired the Giants in front after 33 seconds.
The Panthers, buoyed by a vocal home support, immediately responded through Jake Ryczek's superb solo effort.
Matty McLeod put the Giants ahead early in the third period before there was a standing ovation as the crowd chanted Johnson's name in the 47th minute.
Kohei Sato added a third with an empty-netter but the Panthers set up a tense finish when Didrik Henbrant pulled one back with 34 seconds remaining.
However, Ara Nazarian slotted into an empty net to secure the win for the reigning champions.