As Adam Johnson’s family members proceed to choose up the pieces following his tragic death last month, latest details have come to light concerning the future the previous NHL player envisioned along with his longtime girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe.
Johnson, who died on the age of 29 after his neck was cut by the skate blade of an opponent in an Elite Ice Hockey League game in England on Oct. 28, had planned to propose to Wolfe, two friends of his family recently shared with USA Today.
The late Nottingham Panthers forward had purchased an engagement ring “before the couple flew to England for the 2023-24 hockey season,” in response to the report, which stated Wolfe discovered the ring within the couple’s shared apartment “after Johnson’s family revealed the key.”
“We were all really excited because we were really looking forward to their future and he didn’t get a probability to ask her, after which this happened,” Johnson’s aunt Kari told SWNS recently.
Wolfe, who dated Johnson for over three years, delivered a heartbreaking eulogy to the “love of [her] life” in his native Minnesota last week.
“To me, you were every little thing. You were my home, my best friend, my sounding board, my rock, my shelter and the love of my life. I’m never going to stop fascinated with you, missing you and loving you until we will be together again. I like you,” Wolfe said.
Johnson joined the Panthers in August after playing for Augsburger Panther in Germany last yr.
He appeared in 13 NHL games as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins across the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
A person was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter Tuesday in connection to Johnson’s death.
The person, who UK authorities haven’t named, was released on bail the next day.
Matt Petgrave, a defenseman for the Sheffield Steelers, was the opposite player involved within the collision with Johnson.
Johnson’s Nottingham teammate, Westin Michaud, has come to Petgrave’s defense amid online vitriol.
“The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for,” Michaud posted. “It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let’s come together and never spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support.”
The Steelers held a moment of silence for Johnson on Sunday, in what was their first home game since his death.
Petgrave, who didn’t play, received a standing ovation from those in attendance when his photo appeared on the scoreboard.