In a tragic incident that sent shockwaves through the ice hockey community, Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old player for the Nottingham Panthers, died after being struck in the neck by a skate during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, 2023. The incident occurred at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, where Johnson was playing in front of over 8,000 spectators. Despite immediate medical attention, including CPR administered on the ice, Johnson succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Following the incident, Matthew Petgrave, a player for the Sheffield Steelers, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter on November 14, 2023. He spent 17 months on police bail, during which time he was rebailed seven times as the investigation unfolded. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) conducted a comprehensive review of the evidence, which included video footage, witness interviews, and consultations with specialized experts from North America.
On April 29, 2025, the CPS announced that it would not bring criminal charges against Petgrave, concluding that there was not a realistic prospect of conviction. Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn described the incident as "shocking and deeply upsetting," emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigation. "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson," he stated.
Johnson's death has left a profound impact on the ice hockey community, prompting discussions about player safety. In January 2024, Sheffield's senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, suspended her investigation into Johnson's death while the police inquiry was ongoing. Subsequently, she issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, expressing concern that similar incidents could occur in the future unless neck guards were mandated in the sport.
As a result of these concerns, neck guards became mandatory in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) starting January 1, 2024, following a decision by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in December 2023 to require neck laceration protectors in its competitions. The EIHL reiterated its commitment to player safety in a statement following the CPS's announcement, stating, "Our thoughts remain with everyone involved in the accident, and player safety and welfare remains our top priority."
In December 2024, Petgrave launched a crowdfunding campaign on CrowdJustice to help cover his legal costs, raising over £18,000 from 365 supporters. In his appeal, he acknowledged the legal challenges he faced and expressed gratitude for the support he received from teammates and the hockey community. Petgrave also mentioned that his UK visa had expired, preventing him from working as a professional ice hockey player while awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings.
Adam Johnson, originally from Minnesota, had a brief but notable career in the NHL, playing 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a season in Germany, he joined the Nottingham Panthers in the summer of 2023, quickly becoming a key player in the EIHL. Following his death, the Panthers retired his No. 47 jersey, honoring his contributions to the team and the sport. The retirement ceremony took place during a game against the Fife Flyers in December 2024, attended by family members and fans.
Tributes to Johnson poured in from across the globe, reflecting his impact on and off the ice. His aunt, Kari Johnson, revealed that he had been planning to propose to his long-term girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe, before his untimely death. Wolfe expressed her heartbreak, stating, "I’ll miss you forever and love you always." Johnson's legacy continues to resonate within the ice hockey community, with many players and coaches remembering him fondly.
Kevin Moore, a coach who previously worked with Johnson, shared his reflections on the tragedy, stating, "It's something I still think about weekly. And every game I do my best to just say a little prayer for him and his family and honour him. He'll never be forgotten in this community and certainly I'll never forget him either." Moore described Johnson as a selfless player and a remarkable person, emphasizing the void left by his passing.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety measures in ice hockey, particularly regarding neck protection. While neck guards are now mandatory in many leagues, including the EIHL, they are not yet required in the NHL, raising questions about the consistency of safety regulations across different levels of the sport.
As the ice hockey community continues to mourn Johnson's loss, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of players and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The CPS's decision not to pursue charges against Petgrave has brought some closure to the legal proceedings, but the emotional impact of Johnson's death will linger for many.
