Adam Johnson's devastating story has been the talk of the hockey world for weeks now. On Monday Johnson was laid to rest and now his best friend is keeping his memory alive on the biggest hockey stage.
Johnson's Best Friend Opens Up On The Grief Surrounding His Passing
A few days ago Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk opened up about his processing of the passing of Adam Johnson. Pionk and Johnson were best friends and teammates in junior hockey before they both made it to the pro levels.
«The first three days I didn't know I could cry so much,» Pionk told The Free Press. «The last couple days but some of them are good tears, too, because we've been sharing some really good stories and that's what it's all about.»
«We played four years together, we lived together for probably six years,» Pionk explained. «On top of that, we golf together every summer, we fish together. His family is like family to me.»
After an incredibly difficult couple of weeks Pionk was able to send a tribute to his friend in the way of a goal.
Johnson's Best Friend Scores Days After His Funeral
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Tonight in a game between the Winnipeg Jets and Saint Louis Blues Neal Pionk was able to put home a goal. He scored while wearing neck protection which has caught on in the NHL after his friend's passing.
Pionk scoring after Adam Johnson's funeral is so heartwarming
After scoring Pionk can be seen on the bench and looks to be processing some heavy emotions.
With such a big loss happening in the middle of the season, one can only imagine what Pionk has been through. The goal has to be a nice deep breath in the middle of chaos.
For many hockey and sports in general can be an escape from the outside world hopefully for Pionk his accomplishment tonight can be a tribute to his friend and an escape from the chaos Pionk has endured.