Remembering Adam Johnson: A Tribute by the Pittsburgh Penguins
PITTSBURGH — Adam Johnson may not have played many NHL games in Pittsburgh, but his impact on the organization will never be forgotten. On Monday night, during the game against the Anaheim Ducks at PPG Paints Arena, the Pittsburgh Penguins paid tribute to Johnson in multiple heartfelt ways.
A touching video showcasing Johnson’s team highlights, including his memorable solo rookie skate before his NHL debut in Nashville and his lone goal scored in his native Minnesota, was shown to the crowd. The video was expertly produced by the Penguins’ Emmy-winning crew, ensuring that every significant moment of Johnson’s time with the team was captured.
The fans were encouraged by the public address announcer, Ryan Mill, to “stand and cheer one more time” for Johnson. The arena erupted with applause and cheers as the crowd honored the young player’s memory.
Before the game, both teams gathered at the center-ice circle, around the Skating Penguin logo, with players and officials standing side-by-side. Above them, a black-and-white image of Johnson appeared on the Penguins’ new video board. As a moment of silence was held in Johnson’s honor, the lights were dimmed throughout the arena, drawing attention to the video board and the players beneath it.
To further honor Johnson, Penguins players wore their traditional black home helmets with a special sticker on the left backside. The sticker featured “AJ 47,” representing Johnson’s initials and the number he wore during his 13 games with the Penguins over the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
The Penguins organization worked tirelessly to put together this tribute quickly, even before officially announcing Johnson’s tragic death in England the night before. The creation of the stickers proved to be the most challenging part due to the tight turnaround time. However, their dedication to honoring their former teammate was evident in every aspect of the tribute.
This is not the first time the Penguins have responded swiftly to tragedy. In 2018, after a mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, the Penguins wore a special patch on their jerseys to honor the victims. The franchise managed to create the patches in less than 48 hours, showcasing their commitment to supporting their community during difficult times.
In 2009, after a mass shooting in Pittsburgh’s Stanton Heights neighborhood, the Penguins honored the three victims and two injured police officers at their first home game since the incident. The team’s ability to come together and show support for their city in times of tragedy is a testament to their strong bond with the community.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have always prioritized honoring and remembering those who have had an impact on their organization. Whether it’s celebrating former players, coaches, or members of the front office, or standing in solidarity with the community during challenging times, the Penguins have consistently shown their dedication to unity and support.
Adam Johnson may have had a short stint with the Penguins, but his memory will forever be cherished within the organization. The tribute paid to him during Monday night’s game was a testament to the love and respect he garnered from his teammates, coaches, and fans. The Pittsburgh Penguins have once again shown that they are more than just a hockey team; they are a family that stands together in both triumph and tragedy.