Nottingham Panthers Will Give Tribute To Fallen Hockey Player

This happened after Sheffield Steeler Matt Petgrave sliced his neck with a skate blade after the end of the play. Causing a cultural shift in some hockey circles, regarding neck protection in the sport.

Fast forward, more than half a year later, and his former team, the Nottingham Panthers intend to pay tribute to Johnson in the form of an on-ice graphic.

Johnson's death renewed conversations culturally in the game about player safety, what it means, and how to implement it. While it won't officially stick in some spots of the sport, it has opened up a larger conversation about neck protection, and many minors and junior leagues have broached the issue.

In doing so, many have issued a protection order for their players, as they will wear neck guards.

While aesthetically this lacks any kind of superficial swag, it's all about protection which matters more than anything.

And while Johnson may not have been comfortable being the center of attention in this discussion, it has presented the game an opportunity to shift it's priorities for the better.