2 hours ago
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The hockey star who accidentally killed his opponent with the blade of his skate has been handed a lifeline to restart his career almost two years on from the tragic incident.
Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson, 29, had his throat cut during a collision in the 35th minute of an Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) Challenge Cup match in the United Kingdom on October 28 2023.
Former Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of Johnson.
However, following a lengthy investigation, it was determined in April that Petgrave would not face charges.
The 33-year-old is now set to return to the ice for the first time since the tragic accident after signing a contract with the Indy Fuel - the Blackhawks' ECHL affiliate.
The ECHL is a North American developmental league two levels below the NHL.
Matt Petgrave has signed a standard player contract with ECHL team, the Indy Fuel
Ice hockey player Adam Johnson died following an incident during a match in Sheffield in October 2023 (pictured in 2019 playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins)
'We are aware that Matt was involved in a tragic accident two years ago on the ice, where another player lost his life,' Fuel CEO Sean Hallett said in a statement. 'No criminal charges were brought against Matt after the accident. After in-depth discussions with him and his previous coaches and teammates, we believe he should be afforded the opportunity to continue his playing career.
'We understand the responsibility that comes with the great support we receive from this community. We are confident he will be a positive addition to our team and our city.'
Petgrave had been on the ice for the Steelers' Challenge Cup matchup against the Panthers when his skate blade slit Johnson's throat during a collision. The Canadian has not played since.
'We understand the responsibility that comes with the great support we receive from this community. We are confident he will be a positive addition to our team and our city.'
Johnson collapsed in front of 8,000 horrified spectators at Sheffield's Utilita Arena, home of the Sheffield Steelers.
The incident was also broadcast online, as players formed a protective ring around the American as paramedics rushed onto the ice to treat him.
However, he was later declared dead after being taken to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation following his death, and arrested Petgrave on suspicion of manslaughter.
The defenseman has not played since his skate fatally cut Johnson's neck during a 2023 game
Adam Johnson with his girlfriend Ryan Wolfe, to whom he had been planning to propose
The Canadian player was told to remain in the UK by police under his bail conditions - which were extended several times while the investigation continued.
He later launched a crowdfunder to cover his legal fees, claiming that while being told to stay in the UK he could not work as his visa had expired.
But a year and a half later, the Crown Prosecution Service decided it would not bring criminal charges against the player after concluding there was not a 'realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence'.
Petgrave, writing on his Crowdjustice page, has described the collision as a 'tragic accident'. He has pledged to donate any monies left over from his legal costs to initiatives promoting safety in hockey.
'I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me, including my teammates, fellow players, and league personnel, who have stood by me from the beginning and continue to do so,' he wrote.
'Your support has been invaluable to me and my family during this incredibly difficult time.'
Prior to playing for Sheffield Steelers, he played for teams in the minor East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League, before joining several European teams prior to signing with Sheffield.
Petgrave was said to be 'absolutely distraught' following the incident.
Johnson's death sparked an outpouring of tributes and calls to improve the safety of ice hockey for competitors (pictured: a memorial outside Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena)
Footage appeared to show him colliding with one of Johnson's teammates, knocking him off balance and sending his leg into the air.
It was during this fall that his boot made contact with Johnson's neck.
He reportedly became the target of trolling and hate mail in the days after the tragedy - but Nottingham Panthers fans who witnessed the tragedy had said 'no one was to blame' for the collision.
Johnson's death sent shockwaves through the ice hockey world and renewed a debate about the safety of the sport.
Two months after Johnson's death, the English Ice Hockey Association made neck guards mandatory equipment for athletes at all levels except the EIHL - the level at which Johnson was playing.
The EIHL has said it will 'strongly encourage' their use but has stopped short of making them a requirement. Many professional players have started using them regardless, including in America's NHL.
