As Adam Johnson’s loved ones continue to pick up the pieces following his tragic death last month, new details have come to light about the future the former NHL player envisioned with his longtime girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe.
Johnson, who died at 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,” according to the report, which stated Wolfe discovered the ring in the couple’s shared apartment “after Johnson’s family revealed the secret.”
“We were all really excited because we were really looking forward to their future and he didn’t get a chance to ask her, and then 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 everything. You were my home, my best friend, my sounding board, my rock, my safe haven and the love of my life. I’m never going to stop thinking about you, missing you and loving you until we can be together again. I love you,” Wolfe said.
Johnson joined the Panthers in August after playing for Augsburger Panther in Germany last year.
He appeared in 13 NHL games as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins across the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
A man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter Tuesday in connection to Johnson’s death.
The individual, who UK authorities have not named, was released on bail the following day.
Matt Petgrave, a defenseman for the Sheffield Steelers, was the other player involved in 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 not 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 did not play, received a standing ovation from those in attendance when his photo appeared on the scoreboard.