Matt Petgrave signs with Blackhawks minor league team two years after Adam Johnson’ death
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.
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“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.
Johnson later died from the injury.
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.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced this April that it not bring criminal charges against Petgrave.
In a statement through the Fuel, Petgrave expressed his thanks for another chance to play hockey.
“I am thankful to the Fuel organization and the city of Indianapolis for allowing me the opportunity to continue my professional career in the sport I love,” Petgrave said in a statement.
During his two seasons with Sheffield, Petgrave had 51 points in 61 games.
Prior to taking his hockey career overseas, Petgrave bounced around between the AHL and ECHL.
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