Professional ice hockey player Matt Petgrave, heavily involved in the unfortunate incident that led to Adam Johnson's demise on the ice, gets another opportunity to rebuild his athletic career.
Matt Petgrave, the former Sheffield Steelers defenseman, is set to make a comeback to the ice after a long hiatus, following his signing with the Indy Fuel, the Blackhawks' ECHL affiliate. This return marks Petgrave's first appearance on the ice since the tragic collision that claimed the life of Adam Johnson, a hockey star, during an Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) Challenge Cup match in Sheffield's Utilita Arena on October 28, 2023.
Johnson collapsed in front of 8,000 horrified spectators after a collision with Petgrave's skate blade slit his throat. The incident was broadcast online, as players formed a protective ring around Johnson as paramedics rushed onto the ice to treat him. Tragically, Johnson was later declared dead after being taken to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.
Following the incident, South Yorkshire Police launched an investigation, and Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. However, after a lengthy investigation, it was determined in April that Petgrave would not face charges. The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to bring criminal charges against him.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Petgrave was the target of trolling and hate mail. He launched a crowdfunder to cover his legal fees and pledged to donate any monies left over to initiatives promoting safety in hockey.
The EIHL, following the incident, made neck guards mandatory equipment for athletes at all levels except the EIHL. The ECHL, a North American developmental league two levels below the NHL, has also shown support for neck guards, with many professional players, including in America's NHL, starting to use them. The ECHL, however, has stopped short of making them a requirement.
Petgrave's former team, the Maine Mariners in the ECHL, returned to the ice two years after the tragic accident. Petgrave himself will play for the Maine Mariners, and he described the collision as a 'tragic accident'. Nottingham Panthers fans who witnessed the tragedy said 'no one was to blame' for the collision.
In a show of solidarity and commitment to safety, Petgrave has pledged to advocate for the use of neck guards in hockey, hoping to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. His return to the ice serves as a testament to the resilience of the sport and the power of healing and redemption.
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