Introduction
On October 28, 2023, the hockey world was rocked by the sudden and tragic death of American ice hockey player Adam Johnson during an EIHL game in England. At the center of the incident was Matt Petgrave, a Canadian defenseman whose skate blade fatally injured Johnson during a mid-ice collision.
What followed was a wave of public mourning, legal investigations, and global debate around safety in professional hockey. This article explores who Matt Petgrave is, his involvement in the Adam Johnson case, and the lasting impact of this event on the sport.
🔍 Quick Bio Table – Matt Petgrave
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Petgrave |
| Known As | Matt Petgrave |
| Born | January 29, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 201 lbs (91 kg) |
| Position | Defenseman |
| Shooting Hand | Left |
| Professional Career | 2015 – Present |
| Current Team (2023) | Sheffield Steelers (EIHL, UK) |
| Known For | Involvement in Adam Johnson ice hockey incident |
| College Hockey | University of New Brunswick (UNB Varsity Reds) |
Who Is Matt Petgrave?
Matt Petgrave is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman known for his tough, physical playing style. Born in Toronto, he rose through Canada’s junior leagues before making an impact at the University of New Brunswick, where he played for the Varsity Reds.
His professional career began in North America, and he played in leagues such as the ECHL and AHL before moving to the UK to join the Sheffield Steelers in 2021. In Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), he quickly earned a reputation for his aggressive yet controlled defense, becoming a key player on the Steelers’ roster.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Toronto—Canada’s hockey heartland—Petgrave started skating and competing at a young age. Known early on for his athleticism and physical presence, he transitioned from junior hockey to collegiate play with UNB, where he helped his team achieve championship success.
Petgrave’s character off the ice has remained largely private, though former teammates describe him as competitive, disciplined, and team-oriented.
Professional Career Beginnings
Petgrave’s professional hockey journey officially began in 2015. He played for various minor league teams, including:
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Brampton Beast (ECHL)
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Laval Rocket (AHL)
These stints showed his versatility as a two-way defenseman. In 2021, he moved to the UK’s EIHL, signing with the Sheffield Steelers, where he became a cornerstone of the team’s defense.
Involvement in the Adam Johnson Case
On October 28, 2023, during a regular season EIHL game between the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers, Petgrave was involved in a mid-ice collision with Adam Johnson, a former NHL forward.
In the course of the play, Petgrave’s leg lifted—possibly while entangled with another player—and his skate blade struck Johnson in the neck. Despite immediate medical attention, Johnson passed away shortly afterward due to blood loss from the injury.
The incident, captured on video and broadcast live, quickly went viral, prompting global media coverage and public outcry.
The Adam Johnson Incident: What Happened?
During an EIHL match on October 28, 2023, tragedy struck. In a high-speed collision near center ice, Matt Petgrave’s skate blade made contact with Adam Johnson’s neck, causing a severe injury. Johnson collapsed on the ice and was quickly attended to by medics, but later died from his wounds at a nearby hospital.
The moment, captured on live television and spread widely on social media, caused international shock, heartbreak, and calls for accountability and reform.
Legal Developments and Aftermath
Due to the fatal nature of the incident, South Yorkshire Police launched a criminal investigation. On November 14, 2023, Matt Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but released on bail pending further review.
In March 2024, the UK Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges, citing the lack of clear intent or gross negligence.
While the legal case was closed, the tragedy continued to affect Petgrave’s personal and professional life, and public opinion remained sharply divided.
Matt Petgrave’s Current Status (2025)
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Legal Outcome: Cleared of charges
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Professional Status: Not officially banned or suspended
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Public Engagement: Minimal, no detailed public statements
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Future in Hockey: Uncertain and under careful consideration
Though legally exonerated, Petgrave’s career remains in flux, with his return to the sport being both emotionally complex and publicly debated.
The Emotional Toll on Matt Petgrave
Though cleared legally, Petgrave has borne a heavy emotional burden. Reports indicate he withdrew from the public eye, took a leave from hockey, and received mental health counseling.
Teammates and mental health professionals have emphasized the trauma associated with being involved in a fatal sports accident. Petgrave’s return to hockey in early 2025 has been cautious and limited, as he continues to recover from the psychological weight of the incident.
The Broader Impact on Ice Hockey
Adam Johnson’s death triggered a global reassessment of safety standards in professional hockey. In the months following the tragedy:
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The EIHL and several junior leagues implemented mandatory neck guards.
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Equipment manufacturers saw a surge in demand for neck protection gear.
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Coaches and officials began re-examining contact rules and emergency response protocols.
The incident is now widely seen as a catalyst for safety reform, much like previous tragic moments that reshaped other contact sports.
Conclusion
The incident involving Matt Petgrave and Adam Johnson is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of contact sports like hockey. What began as a routine game ended in a life-altering tragedy, profoundly affecting everyone involved.
Matt Petgrave, once known primarily within hockey circles, became a central figure in one of the sport’s darkest moments. While no legal wrongdoing was found, the emotional, reputational, and professional consequences continue to unfold.
More importantly, Adam Johnson’s legacy is now linked to positive reforms in ice hockey safety—ensuring that such a tragedy may never happen again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Matt Petgrave?
A Canadian professional defenseman currently playing in the EIHL, known for his physical play and his involvement in the 2023 incident that resulted in Adam Johnson’s death.
What happened in the Adam Johnson case?
During an EIHL game, Johnson sustained a fatal neck injury after Petgrave’s skate blade made accidental contact during a collision.
Was Petgrave found legally responsible?
No. He was arrested but never charged. The CPS dropped the case due to insufficient evidence of intent or gross negligence.
How did the hockey community respond?
The incident led to mandatory neck guards in several leagues, widespread mourning, and increased attention to player safety.
What is Matt Petgrave’s current status?
As of 2025, Petgrave has returned to limited play in the EIHL and is working to rebuild his life and career while managing the psychological aftermath.
