UK — No criminal charges will be brought against professional ice hockey player Matt Petgrave in connection with the death of American forward Adam Johnson, authorities have confirmed.

Johnson, 29, who played for the Nottingham Panthers, died from a fatal neck injury after a mid-game collision with Petgrave of the Sheffield Steelers during an Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) match on October 28, 2023. The incident, which took place in front of a stunned crowd, sent shockwaves through the global hockey community.

Following a lengthy investigation by South Yorkshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that there was insufficient evidence to pursue a manslaughter case.

“There is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence,” said Michael Quinn, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor. “This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.”

Petgrave, a Canadian national, was arrested in November 2023 on suspicion of manslaughter and remained on bail for 17 months. He was rebailed seven times as investigations continued. He maintained his innocence throughout, calling the collision a "tragic accident."

The CPS described the police investigation as “thorough,” and said all available evidence had been rigorously reviewed. "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson," Mr. Quinn added.

Johnson, originally from Minnesota, had a career that spanned several leagues, including 13 games in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He later played in Sweden, Germany, and the American Hockey League before signing with the Panthers in August 2023.

His sudden death drew an outpouring of grief from fans, teammates, and fellow professionals. Tributes flooded in from across the hockey world, with many remembering Johnson as a kind and humble presence both on and off the ice.

In December 2024, the Panthers retired his jersey number, 47, in an emotional ceremony attended by family and fans. “Adam was a top player, but he was an even better human being,” said Panthers CEO Omar Pacha.

It later emerged that Johnson was not wearing a neck guard during the game — a detail that prompted calls for stricter safety measures. Coroner Tanyka Rawden issued a report urging mandatory neck guards in ice hockey, warning that future deaths could be prevented.

While the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) made neck protection compulsory from 2024, the EIHL — which operates independently — stopped short of mandating the gear, instead “strongly encouraging” its use.

Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, revealed that the couple had plans to marry, saying in a tribute: “I’ll miss you forever and love you always.”
Mr Petgrave had denied the allegations and called the incident a "tragic accident".

His legacy now fuels an ongoing discussion about player safety in professional ice hockey — one that’s far from over.

WafricNews Sports Desk
April 29, 2025