In a significant and heartbreaking development for the ice hockey community, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, that no criminal charges will be brought against professional player Matt Petgrave following the tragic death of Adam Johnson. Johnson, a 29-year-old player for the Nottingham Panthers, died on October 28, 2023, after sustaining a fatal neck injury from a skate blade during a match against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that, after a thorough investigation in collaboration with South Yorkshire Police, there was "not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence" related to the incident. Michael Quinn, the deputy chief crown prosecutor, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson."
Petgrave, a Canadian national, was arrested two weeks after the incident and spent 17 months on bail, during which he was rebailed seven times as the investigation continued. He has consistently maintained that the collision was a "tragic accident" and denied any wrongdoing.
During the match, Johnson suffered a deep laceration to his neck when Petgrave's skate made contact during a collision. The incident led to an outpouring of grief not only from the Nottingham Panthers organization but also from the wider hockey community, including a moment of silence held by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson's former NHL team. The Penguins honored him by celebrating his life and career, while the Panthers retired his number 47 jersey in a poignant ceremony in December 2024.
Johnson's career was notable, having played 13 games in the NHL with the Penguins, and he had stints in various leagues, including the Swedish Hockey League, the American Hockey League, and Germany's Deutsche Eishockey Liga, before joining the Nottingham Panthers in August 2023. His untimely death has sparked a renewed debate about player safety in ice hockey, particularly concerning neck protection.
In light of Johnson's tragic passing, the Sheffield coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report, recommending the mandatory use of neck guards in ice hockey. The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has since made neck protection compulsory starting from the 2024 season. However, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), in which Johnson played, has only "strongly encouraged" the use of neck guards without making them mandatory.
The CPS's decision not to prosecute Petgrave has raised questions and discussions within the hockey community about the potential need for stricter safety regulations. Following the incident, many have called for a reevaluation of safety protocols, especially regarding neck protection for players. The IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) has already implemented a rule making neck guards mandatory for all its affiliated leagues starting in the 2024-25 season, although this requirement does not extend to the NHL as of yet.
Petgrave's situation has been further complicated by his public appeal for legal costs, which he launched in December 2024. He expressed the necessity of raising funds to cover his legal expenses while remaining in the UK during the investigation. His crowdfunding campaign has reportedly raised over £18,000, which he stated would also contribute to initiatives promoting safety in hockey.
As the investigation concluded, the hockey world continues to mourn the loss of Adam Johnson, a player remembered not only for his skill on the ice but also for his character off it. His family and friends have described him as a humble and down-to-earth individual. His partner, Ryan Wolfe, shared her heartache, saying, "I'll miss you forever and love you always," while his aunt, Kari Johnson, reflected on the future they had envisioned together before his tragic passing.
In summary, while the legal proceedings surrounding the incident involving Matt Petgrave have come to an end, the implications of Adam Johnson's death resonate deeply within the hockey community. The call for enhanced safety measures and the emotional impact of this tragedy will likely shape discussions around player safety for years to come.
