Manchester Storm ice hockey team are set to take part in a fundraising memorial game honouring Adam Johnson, who tragically died in a skating incident last month.
Johnson’s sudden death was the result of a rare, freak accident after his neck was lacerated by another player’s skates whilst playing against the Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.
The 29-year-old Nottingham Panthers forward and former NHL star was rushed to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead, with people all across the EIHL and sporting world in general left in shock following the awful news.
Now, just a few weeks on from his passing, to pay their respects to the talented and well-travelled player, the Panthers are teaming with the Storm to host a memorial match in his name on Saturday, 18 November in Nottingham, with the face-off starting at 7pm.
The Adam Johnson Memorial game will be held at the National Ice Centre, the team’s home stadium inside the Motorpoint Arena and will be collecting donations for the ‘Love For Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund‘: a charity fund set up to help raise money for worthy causes in Johnson’s hometown back in Minnesota.
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As an extra gesture of goodwill, Manchester Storm will also be wearing specially commissioned Adam Johnson jerseys, with every player on the ice wearing his number 47.
As the club wrote in a recent statement, “Saturday is sure to be a very emotional evening for many fans and staff attending the fixture, as an organisation we feel honoured to take part and help ease players, fans and staff back into the Motorpoint Arena whilst raising money for the memorial fund.”
The club are delighted to announce the squad will wear a specially commissioned #AJ47 Memorial jersey on Saturday evening with all funds raised going to the 'Love For Hibbing and Hockey Memorial Fund' ⤵️
The Panthers have already carried out a number of tributes for their beloved squad member, including holding a memorial service, minutes silences and writing the message, ‘Forever Our #47’, in club colours on the ice at their home ground.
For those of you wanting to go and watch the Storm and pay tribute to Adam Johnson whilst doing your bit for charity, tickets to the memorial game are on sale now. You can grab yours HERE.
Addressing the supporters on social media, Forrester wrote: “Thank you to all involved at Bolton Wanderers FC for my time at the club.
“A special club with unbelievable people that work within. Also, a massive thank you to the fans for all of the support throughout.”
His sign-off has been met with plenty of love and well-wishers, as plenty have cited his numerous injury problems – including a ‘freak fall’ which required surgery – as having unfortunately hampered his progress with the Wanderers.
One fan commented, “When fit, he was definitely a first-team starter. But had such bad luck with injuries, he missed more than he played for us.
“Best of luck to Will; it’s probably the right decision for both parties. Such a shame.”
Forrester – originally from Alsager (a town located near Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe) – has become Leyton Orient FC’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Will Forrester has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal and becomes the O’s first January signing of 2026 🙌
While he joins the club on a two-year deal, his transfer fee remains undisclosed.
Having said that, his wages are expected to be towards the higher end of player salaries at Brisbane Road, with the third-tier side still sitting dangerously close to the drop zone in 20th place.
Touching on his arrival via an official club statement, Forrester said: “I’m very happy to have signed here. The mindset and the goals the club want to accomplish in the coming years makes this move very exciting, and I can’t wait to get started.
“Speaking to the gaffer, he has outlined his expectations of me, and I want to help push us forward. I know the challenges of reaching the play-offs the year before and want to help the lads get back on track as quickly as possible.”
You can see his first full interview as a member of The O’s down below.
Featured Images — Bolton Wanderers FC (screenshot via YouTube)/Leyton Orient FC (via X)
Sport
Oldham Athletic’s next game postponed amid red weather warnings
Danny Jones
Oldham Athletic FC’s next game has been postponed amid red weather warnings, with a frozen pitch having already set in.
We suspect they won’t be the only ones either…
Oldham Athletic were set to take on Notts County FC at home this weekend, with the upcoming fixture set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 10 January, but the state of the Boundary Park stadium’s playing surface has already been declared unfit for use.
Informing the fans of the unfortunate decision, the rescheduled date and time for the match remain yet to be confirmed.
Saturday's home fixture against Notts County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. #oafc
Addressing supporters online, OAFC wrote: “An inspection took place on Thursday afternoon with the pitch frozen following persistent freezing temperatures since our last home game on New Year’s Day and further adverse weather forecast.
“The inspection was called due to persistent freezing temperatures and in anticipation of further adverse weather between now and kick-off. Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, and refunds can be claimed after the new date is confirmed.”
As for Notts County, they have also updated their fans on social media.
They have assured that “tickets purchased for this fixture will [also] be valid for the rearranged date” and that “supporters who require a refund will be able to do so after the date for the rearranged fixture is announced.”
Postponement comes amid parts of Oldham, Greater Manchester and other areas across the country being hit with severe weather warnings, which have now been upgraded from an initial yellow rating.
2026’s first named storm, the weather event dubbed by Goretti by the French meteorological service, is set to bring further frosty conditions and blustery winds to us Brits.
The UK received its first snowfall of the year earlier this month, but this next pattern of cold air is set to see even more arrive, with the forecast potentially running into next week.
As for the Latics, the 15th-placed League Two team will have to wait until their ground thaws out to try and make up ground between them and the play-off spots.
Worth keeping an eye on the Met Office if you were planning a trip to the footy over the next few days.
Danny Jones -
14th November 2023 
