Hockey Player Matt Petgrave Won’t Face Manslaughter Charge For Neck-Slicing Death Of Adam Johnson During Match

Baila Eve ZismanApril 29, 2025, 2:35 pmNews >

Following months of deliberation, Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has concluded that no criminal charge will be brought against Matt Petgrave for the death of his athletic opponent in an ice hockey match.

In October 2023, Petgrave, a professional ice hockey player for the Sheffield Steelers, accidentally sliced Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson, 29, in the throat with his skate blade, killing him.

Petgrave was arrested a month after Johnson’s death and police warned that the case would likely take a while with careful investigation. Petgrave spent 17 months on bail and was re-bailed seven times by South Yorkshire Police throughout the duration of the investigation.

Michael Quinn, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, said, “This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident. The CPS and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely together to determine whether any criminal charges should be brought against the other ice hockey player involved.

“Following a thorough police investigation and a comprehensive review of all the evidence by the CPS, we have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”

Johnson’s death prompted the Sheffield coroner, Tanyka Rawden, to write a report that called for compulsory neck guards in ice hockey to prevent future deaths.

The English Ice Hockey Association announced that neck guards would be mandatory starting in 2024. A statement at the time read, “It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport. Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heartbreaking accident but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.”

However, elite leagues have not agreed to make these precautions mandatory worldwide.

Johnson appeared in 13 games throughout his NHL career. He also played in the American Hockey League and played in Sweden and Germany.