NEWS: Vinnell to change jersey number
Aspray Glasgow West sponsored Glasgow Clan defenceman Zach Vinnell will relinquish his number 47 jersey in memory of Adam Johnson.
The Clan D-man has announced he will wear the number four jersey going forward following the tragic passing of the Nottingham Panthers player last Saturday.
And Vinnell spoke of why it felt like the right thing to do during a time of immense sadness across the sport.
“The thought came to me the day after,” he said. “I’d spent some time alone and I was trying to process everything.
“On his NHL debut, Adam wore 47 as he did for much of his career, so that number had some significance for him and his family which is why he chose to wear it this year.
“It’s my first year wearing the number and he did a lot more than I ever will, so it felt fitting that I give up the 47 to honour him and his number.
“At the end of the day, it’s only a game and at this point, it’s feeling a sense of togetherness, and the perspective this puts everything in. It’s tragic, of course, but we just play a game.
“It’s not about us or about me changing my number. It’s about honouring one of our own, and showing support to his family, the fans, and everyone involved.”
Vinnell spoke of the shock and sorrow felt among the Clan team on the back of the tragic events that overshadowed everything on Saturday, including the team’s first league win of the season.
He admits returning to action this weekend is not going to be the same right away, as he recounted the mood in the Clan dressing room in the aftermath of Saturday’s game.
He added: “We’re obviously pretty shocked and we’re feeling it right now. Our condolences go out to Adam and his family and our thoughts are with everyone else involved that night.
“We’re just trying to stick together, hang out and be with each other to try and make things easier even though it’s not easy.
“When we came to the locker room (after Saturday’s game), we’d heard rumblings about what had happened with Nottingham. We had an idea, but without knowing any details or the severity of it.
“The mood quickly changed among us, and our main concern was for Adam and hoping he would pull through. It’s only a game and the win didn’t mean much as we were rooting for him.
“It’s definitely important, as I think, from what I’ve heard about him, Adam would have wanted us to continue to play and be together, but it’s getting back to work and doing so with a heavy heart. It’s not going to be the same right away.
“It will take some time for us to adjust and get back to the swing of things.”
