Hockey player involved in Adam Johnson’s on-ice death signs with Blackhawks’ minor league team

NY Post ^ | September 18, 2025 | Christian Arnold

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Matt Petgrave is heading back out on the ice nearly two years after a tragic on-ice incident took the life of former NHL player Adam Johsnon during a hockey game in the United Kingdom.

Petgrave, a defenseman, will suit up for the Indy Fuel — the Blackhawks’ ECHL affiliate — this season after signing a standard player contract for this season, marking the first time that the Canadian has stepped back onto the ice for a team since the tragic events of Oct. 28, 2023.

“We are aware that Matt was involved in a tragic accident two years ago on the ice, where another player lost his life,” Fuel CEO Sean Hallett said in a statement. “No criminal charges were brought against Matt after the accident. After in-depth discussions with him and his previous coaches and teammates, we believe he should be afforded the opportunity to continue his playing career.

“We understand the responsibility that comes with the great support we receive from this community. We are confident he will be a positive addition to our team and our city.”

Petgrave, 33, was on the ice for a game between the Sheffield Steelers and the Nottingham Panthers of the Elite Ice Hockey League when his skate blade sliced the neck of Johnson during a collision.

The Panthers, at the time, described Johnson’s death as a “freak accident.” The South Yorkshire Police arrested Petgrave two weeks later on suspicion of manslaughter before he was released on bail while the inquiry into the death continued.

[xxqqzz]

It is good he is getting a chance to play again 2 years after the freak accident. He raised his leg as the player was falling, slitting his throat. Was charged with manslaughter, but charges were dropped. It is funny how 4% or so of professional hockey players are black, but one has the misfortune to have been involved in a freak accident.

[Stingray51]

It did not look an accident to many of us.

[Gay State Conservative]

I’d have to see a video of the incident before deciding whether or not he was guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct...or anything criminal

[Jane Long]

Freak accident???

Replies, at link ...

The move that killed Adam Johnson was a move that Matt petgrave has used in the past. It’s a dirty play, and he shouldn’t be allowed to play hockey ever again.

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And.....since you brought up race, this reply ...

What the hell? He did a ninja kick with skates on to the guy’s neck and he got off scott free? How do you lift your skates literally 6 feet off the ice to slice someone’s neck and call it a freak accident? Would a white male been given this amount of leniency?

[Jane Long]

Easy enough to goggle for a vid .... here’s one ....

(Has a viewer discretion warning with it)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aBPJSgkoEo

[TangoLimaSierra]

I hope the Blackhawks fans boycott games till this murderer is dropped.

He should be rotting in a cell right now.

[airborne]

Hockey Ping List!

(let me know if you want on or off the list)

[IYAS9YAS]

Tragic incident? No. Intentional act? Yes.

[Bon of Babble]

This was no accident - he deliberately aimed his skate blade at Adam Johnson and slashed his throat.

[Getready]

Yup ..leg was raised way too high. The action was probably meant as a warning sign ..involuntary manslaughter at best. 2nd degree murder at worst. IMHO

[Hot Tabasco]

I played junior hockey and was an avid skier. In my opinion, having been checked hard and knocked way off balance and hitting a mogul on the ski slope, that was a natural reaction in order to maintain balance.

It was an unfortunate accident but none that would warrant the claim that it was deliberate.

[Major Matt Mason]

Pettgrave did not have any contact with any other player other than Johnson. The lie that is being put out by the media is that he was knocked off balance by another player, which led to his karate kick at Johnson, but there is a video from a different angle than the usual one used that clearly shows that there was no contact before Pettgrave connected with Johnson's neck.

The only reason a team is bringing this guy onto their roster is for more of the same, probably to put fannies in the seats. His career should be over.

[rfp1234]

Whether it was accidental or not, Chicago has harbored thugs for decades so this is no surprise.

[Hot Tabasco]

That's your opinion, I have mine from personal experience.....

End of conversation

[Major Matt Mason]

Not really. You were repeating the fake news that the perp was knocked off balance - he wasn't. At best, it was reckless behavior on his part.