Johnson’s number retired

The English hockey team that Adam Johnson played for retired his No. 47 jersey on Saturday, part of a memorial game honouring the American who died after an opposing player’s skate cut his neck.

Moments before the Nottingham Panthers’ home date against the Manchester Storm, players from both teams stood in a circle at centre ice at Motorpoint Arena.

“He will forever be our No. 47,” announcer Stef Litchfield said.

Panthers players appeared to be wearing neck guards, although the team would not confirm it. They hadn’t played since the incident in a Oct. 28 game in Sheffield. The death of the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh Penguins player has not only forced the sport to re-examine safety regulations, but also sparked a criminal investigation that led to an arrest of a man on suspicion of manslaughter.

The game, broadcast free on YouTube, does not count in the Elite Ice Hockey League standings. It was meant to bring players and fans together.

“We’re not just hockey fans — we’re a hockey family,” Panthers fan Margaret Cartwright said at a makeshift shrine where fans have left flowers, wreaths, jerseys, team scarves and handwritten notes.

Play stopped in the 47th minute for a round of applause in Johnson’s honour by 10,000 fans at the sold-out venue.

Lucic on leave

Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic is on indefinite leave after he was involved in an unspecified incident Friday night. In a statement, the team said it “takes these matters very seriously” and will provide Lucic’s family with support, without providing details. The 35-yearold Lucic is in his second stint with the Bruins.

Hockey Canada remake

Hockey Canada has a new board of directors. Jonathan Goldbloom was appointed chair on Saturday, taking over from Hugh L. Fraser. Gillian Apps, Amanda Fowler, Corey Hirsch, Kristi Miller, Krista Outhwaite and Geoffrey Wong were also elected at the organization’s annual meeting in Montreal, while Goldbloom, Grant Borbridge and Marian Jacko were re-elected. Fraser did not seek re-election.