Matt Petgrave, involved in the unfortunate on-ice incident leading to Adam Johnson's demise, is given a fresh opportunity to resume his hockey career
In a shocking turn of events, the ice hockey world was left reeling when Adam Johnson, a player for Nottingham Panthers, died during an Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) Challenge Cup match on October 28, 2023, at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.
Johnson collapsed in front of 8,000 horrified spectators after a collision with Matt Petgrave, a former Sheffield Steelers defenseman who was playing for the opposing team. The incident was broadcast online, as players formed a protective ring around Johnson as paramedics rushed onto the ice to treat him.
Footage of the collision appeared to show Petgrave colliding with one of Johnson's teammates, sending Johnson's leg into the air and making contact with Johnson's neck. Tragically, Johnson's death sent shockwaves through the NHL world and renewed a debate about the safety of the sport.
Following Johnson's death, South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation, and Matt Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. However, two months later, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring criminal charges against Petgrave, concluding there was not a 'realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence'.
The incident sparked an outpouring of tributes and calls to improve the safety of NHL for competitors. In response, the English Ice Hockey Association made neck guards mandatory equipment for athletes at all levels except the EIHL. The EIHL has 'strongly encouraged' their use but has not made them a requirement. Many professional players have started using them regardless, including in America's NHL.
Petgrave, who reportedly felt 'absolutely distraught' following the incident, launched a crowdfunder to cover his legal fees, citing his inability to work due to his visa status. He has pledged to donate any monies left over from his legal costs to initiatives promoting safety in hockey.
Two years after the tragic accident, Petgrave signed a contract with the Indy Fuel, the Blackhawks' ECHL affiliate, and is set to return to the NHL for the first time since the accident. The ECHL is a North American developmental league two levels below the NHL.
Petgrave, who played for teams in the minor East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League before joining several European teams, signed the contract likely due to a combination of recovery and career considerations. His return to the NHL is a significant step forward for both Petgrave and the sport of NHL, serving as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in sports.
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