Authorities in Britain have announced that the man arrested in connection with the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson will not face any criminal charges. This decision was confirmed by British prosecutors on Tuesday.
Adam Johnson, who played for the Nottingham Panthers, tragically passed away shortly after his neck was cut during a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave in a game held on October 28, 2023.
Two weeks after the incident, a man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. While South Yorkshire Police did not publicly name the individual, Matt Petgrave himself acknowledged being the subject of the police investigation in a crowdfunding appeal for legal expenses.
On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated its decision not to bring criminal charges against the arrested person, describing the event as “a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.”
Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn commented, “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.”
Quinn further added, “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 offence and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
After his initial arrest, Petgrave had been re-bailed multiple times as the investigation proceeded.
The collision occurred when Johnson skated into Sheffield`s defensive zone with the puck. Petgrave collided with another Panthers player nearby, and as Petgrave began to fall, his left skate rose, and the blade struck Johnson in the neck.
Johnson, a 29-year-old native of Hibbing, Minnesota, and a former player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. His untimely death prompted widespread discussion within the sport about enhancing player safety measures.
Petgrave, a 32-year-old Canadian, received support from some of Johnson’s teammates. Victor Björkung, who had passed the puck to Johnson just before the incident, told a Swedish newspaper that there was “not a chance that it`s deliberate.” Björkung stated he was traumatized by what he witnessed and subsequently left the team.
Johnson was in his first season playing for Nottingham in the Elite Ice Hockey League, joining as one of the “import” players. He had previously played in Germany and had a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
He was living with his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, and was studying at Loughborough Business School.
In response to Johnson`s death, the English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League level, mandated that all players in England must wear neck guards starting from the beginning of 2024.
Tristan Blackwood