Police in the United Kingdom announced on Monday that they are actively investigating the death of former Pittsburgh Penguins player Adam Johnson, who was killed during a “freak accident” during a hockey match on Saturday. Johnson, 29, died after having his throat sliced open by an ice skate during what many are calling a deliberate assault from opposing player Matt Petgrave.
A shocking and graphic video taken during England’s Elite Ice Hockey League match on Saturday shows the moment Adam Johnson collided with another player and sustained his fatal injury. Johnson was a former forward for the Pittsburg Penguins, playing 13 games with the team during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he accepted an international contract with the Swedish Hockey League’s Malmö Redhawks, followed by several years as a free agent moving between multiple teams. In August of this year, he joined the UK-based Nottingham Panthers for the 2023-2024 season.
During Saturday’s match against the Sheffield Steelers, Johnson crashed into Steelers player Matt Petgrave, sustaining a fatal gash to his throat. Johnson staggered off the ice, bleeding profusely, and died shortly after.
The Nottingham Panthers, the Elite Ice Hockey League, and the Pittsburgh Penguins all mourned Johnson’s passing, calling the incident a “freak accident.”
The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night. pic.twitter.com/lhSOkDu03Q
— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) October 29, 2023
The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers. pic.twitter.com/9MtTzvmojM
— Elite Ice Hockey League | #EIHL (@officialEIHL) October 29, 2023
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 29, 2023
However, many outraged observers are arguing that this “freak accident” was anything but accidental. Petgrave is being criticized for a history of aggressive behavior on ice, including a record time in the penalty box and multiple ejections from games for striking other players with his hockey stick.
In the eyes of both fans and fellow players, it is unlikely that a simple slip would cause his skate to fly nearly five feet in the air and catch Johnson in the throat.
“Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely,” said NHL veteran Sean Avery to Fox News’ Jesse Watter. “Do I think he woke up and said I’m going to murder somebody today? No, [but] I saw the hit … I saw the leg move. It shouldn’t have been where it was. It’s terrible.”
Chris Therien, another former NHL player, said he was “appalled and sickened” by the video. “It looked intentional. It was a Kung fu kick. My eyes are not lying tell me I’m wrong.”
On Monday, the South Yorkshire Police, who responded to the incident, announced that the incident was being investigated—but they stopped short of declaring it a homicide or manslaughter case. “Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing,” a department statement said. “We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries.”
As the investigation progresses, the Elite Ice Hockey League has announced that all hockey players will be required to wear neck protectors in the 2024 season, and additional safety features will be explored in the coming months.
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