**Police Confirm No Charges for Ice Hockey Player Following Opponent’s Fatal Injury**
South Yorkshire Police have released a significant update regarding the high-profile case involving ice hockey player Matthew Petgrave, who was under investigation for manslaughter after the tragic death of fellow player Adam Johnson. After more than a year of careful scrutiny, police and prosecutors have confirmed that Mr Petgrave will face no criminal charges.
The incident occurred in October 2023 during a match between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers. During the game, Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old American who had been playing for the Panthers, suffered a fatal neck injury after being struck by the skate of Sheffield Steelers defenceman, Matthew Petgrave. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to hospital, Mr Johnson sadly died from his injuries—a loss that reverberated not only through British ice hockey but across the global sporting community.
Following this distressing event, South Yorkshire Police arrested Mr Petgrave in November 2023 on suspicion of manslaughter. As the investigation progressed, Petgrave spent a protracted period—17 months—on bail. Throughout this time, he was required to return to the police station seven different times as officers continued to review all aspects of the case, considering both forensic and eyewitness evidence.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was tasked with assessing whether criminal charges should be brought against Mr Petgrave. On Tuesday, CPS officials announced their decision after a “comprehensive review” of all the evidence available. In a public statement, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn described the incident as “shocking and deeply upsetting.” He emphasised that while it had been a painful period for all involved, the investigation found there was “not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence.” As a result, Mr Petgrave will not be prosecuted.
Mr Quinn expressed his sympathies for those most affected, stating: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.” The case has served as a sombre reminder of the potential dangers inherent in high-speed contact sports like ice hockey, where accidents, though rare, can have devastating consequences.
The implications of Johnson’s death extended beyond the police investigation. The sport’s regulatory bodies in the UK, including Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), came under scrutiny. In January, the inquest led by Sheffield’s senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, was paused to allow the police process to proceed in full. Subsequently, Coroner Rawden issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report, highlighting concerns about the lack of mandatory neck protection in the sport at all levels.
Her report warned that “deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn” and set a 56-day deadline for the governing bodies to respond on their positions regarding enhanced safety measures. Within months, notable changes followed: as of 1 January 2024, neck guards became compulsory in the Elite League—where both Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers compete. This local measure aligned with wider international developments, after the International Ice Hockey Federation also mandated neck laceration protectors in its competitions.
The tragedy that befell Adam Johnson has sparked widespread debate about safety in ice hockey, with many in the community and beyond advocating for reforms. While the official investigation into Matthew Petgrave has now concluded with no charges, the legacy of the incident continues to influence the sport.
As the ice hockey world reflects and adapts, the memory of Adam Johnson and the lessons of the past year are certain to act as a catalyst for prioritising player welfare and minimising risk wherever possible.