The Canadian hockey player Matt Petgrave, who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of former NHL and Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson in 2023, will not face criminal charges, prosecutors have confirmed.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) — an independent organisation that prosecutes criminal cases that have been investigated by the police and other investigative bodies in England and Wales — confirmed Tuesday it has decided against seeking a conviction.
Advertisement
Johnson, 29, died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28, 2023, in what his team, the Nottingham Panthers, labelled a “freak accident.”
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) arrested Petgrave on suspicion of manslaughter on November 14, 2023, and he was subsequently released on police bail as the investigation into Johnson’s death continued.
The CPS received the case file from police in May 2024 and spent nearly a year reviewing it before deciding against bringing charges.
Petgrave was told to remain in the United Kingdom while the investigation was ongoing and his bail was extended eight times, most recently on February 28.
A CPS statement read: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided it will not bring criminal charges against a professional ice hockey player following the death of Adam Johnson during a match between The Sheffield Steelers and The Nottingham Panthers.”
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 offence and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
“Extensive enquiries, including reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses and consulting with highly-specialised experts from North America, were carried out,” a statement from SYP read.
“In May 2024, a file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for review and for a charging decision to be made. Since then, we have worked closely with the CPS and provided them with supplementary information to address follow-up enquiries.
“Following the CPS review, they have declined to authorise charges.”
Johnson died after being cut in the neck by a skate during a game in October 2023 (Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
Benjamin Wood, a detective chief inspector at SYP and the senior investigating officer, added: “Adam Johnson’s death has left a lasting impact that was felt through many communities, from Sheffield residents to ice hockey fans across the globe.
“Following Adam’s tragic death, we have worked tirelessly to fully investigate the unprecedented circumstances that took place at the Utilia Arena in October 2023.
Advertisement
“Our investigation has involved complex consultations with specialist experts from North America, as well as working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.
“While our investigation has now concluded, our thoughts remain wholeheartedly with Adam’s family, and everyone who has been affected by this devastating tragedy.”
Petgrave has never been named by UK police but a crowdfunding account purporting to belong to him was launched in December to help him in his legal fight.
A message posted by an account claiming to be him on CrowdJustice — an online platform where individuals or groups can appeal for money to fund legal action — read: “I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey.”
The message on the CrowdJustice page also claims that Petgrave has been unable to work in the UK while he awaits a resolution to the police investigation.
The Athletic has been unable to contact Petgrave to confirm whether the page is genuine.
Johnson joined the Panthers in the summer of 2023 to play in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), a competition which has 10 franchises including teams in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
He previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, scoring a goal and four points in 13 games over parts of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Before joining Pittsburgh, Johnson played collegiately at the University of Minnesota Duluth for two seasons.
(Top photo of Matt Petgrave: Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
How to watch the 2025 MotoGP season: TV channels, streaming, dates
Get ready to experience another season of high-speed thrills with MotoGP! Keep reading for more information on how to watch the 2025 season of MotoGP.When is the next race?The next MotoGP race will be Catalan Grand Prix on September 7th, 2025.<!-->How can I watch the MotoGP 2025 season?In 2025, every MotoGP race will be broadcast live on FS1 or FS2.Derek Jeter & Alex Rodriguez's thoughts on Indianapolis Motor Speedway environment | INDYCAR on FOX --> <!-->How can I stream MotoGP or watch without cable?MotoGP races on FS1 will be available to be streamed live on the FOX Sports website and the FOX Sports App. For those without cable, there are live-streaming services that carry FOX, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and fuboTV.What is the 2025 MotoGP schedule?The full dates and times for the 2025 MotoGP season are […]
Norris pips Alonso to fastest time as crashes create chaotic practice
Lance Stroll and Alex Albon crashed out in second practice to continue an incident-filled opening day to the Dutch Grand Prix weekend which saw Lando Norris narrowly outpace Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso at the top of the timesheet.Four weeks after F1 was last on track in Hungary, the sport's return to the track produced one of the most chaotic Fridays of the session so far as gusty winds created tricky conditions at an undulating Zandvoort circuit which sits on the banks of the North Sea coast. Norris stayed at the top of the timesheet in the day's second session thanks to a best lap of 1:09.890 although this time McLaren were denied a one-two by the impressive Alonso, the Aston Martin driver finishing just 0.087s behind the Briton and 0.002s ahead of title leader Oscar Piastri.Outpaced by title rival Norris […]
As últimas notícias do mercado: as contratações e os rumores de transferências que estão na ordem do dia
Atualizado a 29 de agosto ©IMAGO Já nos encontramos em pleno verão e, por isso, o mercado está ao rubro, com os clubes a acelerarem as negociações de forma a tentarem fechar as contratações de novos jogadores para 2025/26. Fórum Transfermarkt Queres discutir estas transferências e rumores com outros adeptos? Junta-te à conversa no fórum e partilha a tua opinião Acede ao fórum Dos gigantes europeus às movimentações das equipas da Liga Portuguesa, fica a par das notícias que têm agitado o mercado nas últimas horas.As últimas notícias do mercadoO ucraniano Georgiy Sudakov, do Shakhtar Donetsk, já aterrou em Portugal para assinar pelo Benfica, como deu conta a imprensa portuguesa na tarde desta sexta-feira. Fala-se agora numa transferência de 27 milhões de euros mais 5 milhões em variáveis.É oficial: Fábio Silva, avançado internacional português, deixa o Wolverhampton e assina pelo […]
Many surprises in Buffalo with unexpected cuts; questions remain about roster depth
This week brought major movement for the Buffalo Bills. With the deadline to finalize the 53-man roster, head coach Sean McDermott made several eyebrow-raising decisions, while strengthening the practice squad was also seen as a strategic move.Still, concerns linger about the team's depth. While new acquisitions might add value to the roster, doubts remain about the secondary, where injuries have created uncertainty.Josh Allen vs Joe Burrow: Highlights that fuel the debateA concern for the Bills heading into Week 1Cornerback Tre'Davious White was present at Buffalo's latest practice, though he only observed. He is still recovering from a lower-leg injury that has kept him sidelined.General manager Brandon Beane admitted the team is concerned about White's status but remains hopeful he could improve enough this week to play in the opener against the Baltimore Ravens.I'm sure as we get into next week, […]
Chelsea in talks to sign Brighton’s Buonanotte on loan
Chelsea are set to beat other Premier League clubs to the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton. Chelsea are in talks over a loan deal for the 20-year-old that does not include an option or an obligation to buy. The Blues are considered frontrunners for his signature despite interest from other Premier League clubs, including Leeds.Brighton have insisted that they only want to loan the Argentina international to a club in England.Sky Germany reported earlier in the window that Borussia Dortmund had made a loan offer for the player. Buonanotte would be the latest Brighton player - or member of staff - to make the move to Chelsea since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover at Stamford Bridge in 2022. Buonanotte would be reunited with former Seagulls team-mates Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro at Stamford Bridge. […]
‘No gamesmanship’ – Wolff reveals new Russell contract ‘a formality’
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says there is "no gamesmanship" in his contract talks with George Russell and revealed a new deal is "a formality".Russell and Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli are both out of contract at the end of this year, with the British driver stating ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix that he chose to delay negotiations over the summer break to ensure "everything is right". Sky Sports News understands talks between Mercedes and Russell have been advancing towards a multi-year deal which would see him stay at the team until at least the end of 2027."George is a Mercedes driver and Kimi as well. They are part of the team, part of the structure," Wolff told Sky Sports F1 at Zandvoort."Where we are is formalities. How can we optimise his performance, his marketing days, his travel? These […]
Related
How to watch the 2025 MotoGP season: TV channels, streaming, dates
Get ready to experience another season of high-speed thrills with MotoGP! Keep reading for more information on how to watch the 2025 season of MotoGP.When is the next race?The next MotoGP race will be Catalan Grand Prix on September 7th, 2025.<!-->How can I watch the MotoGP 2025 season?In 2025, every MotoGP race will be broadcast live on FS1 or FS2.Derek Jeter & Alex Rodriguez's thoughts on Indianapolis Motor Speedway environment | INDYCAR on FOX --> <!-->How can I stream MotoGP or watch without cable?MotoGP races on FS1 will be available to be streamed live on the FOX Sports website and the FOX Sports App. For those without cable, there are live-streaming services that carry FOX, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and fuboTV.What is the 2025 MotoGP schedule?The full dates and times for the 2025 MotoGP season are […]
Norris pips Alonso to fastest time as crashes create chaotic practice
Lance Stroll and Alex Albon crashed out in second practice to continue an incident-filled opening day to the Dutch Grand Prix weekend which saw Lando Norris narrowly outpace Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso at the top of the timesheet.Four weeks after F1 was last on track in Hungary, the sport's return to the track produced one of the most chaotic Fridays of the session so far as gusty winds created tricky conditions at an undulating Zandvoort circuit which sits on the banks of the North Sea coast. Norris stayed at the top of the timesheet in the day's second session thanks to a best lap of 1:09.890 although this time McLaren were denied a one-two by the impressive Alonso, the Aston Martin driver finishing just 0.087s behind the Briton and 0.002s ahead of title leader Oscar Piastri.Outpaced by title rival Norris […]
As últimas notícias do mercado: as contratações e os rumores de transferências que estão na ordem do dia
Atualizado a 29 de agosto ©IMAGO Já nos encontramos em pleno verão e, por isso, o mercado está ao rubro, com os clubes a acelerarem as negociações de forma a tentarem fechar as contratações de novos jogadores para 2025/26. Fórum Transfermarkt Queres discutir estas transferências e rumores com outros adeptos? Junta-te à conversa no fórum e partilha a tua opinião Acede ao fórum Dos gigantes europeus às movimentações das equipas da Liga Portuguesa, fica a par das notícias que têm agitado o mercado nas últimas horas.As últimas notícias do mercadoO ucraniano Georgiy Sudakov, do Shakhtar Donetsk, já aterrou em Portugal para assinar pelo Benfica, como deu conta a imprensa portuguesa na tarde desta sexta-feira. Fala-se agora numa transferência de 27 milhões de euros mais 5 milhões em variáveis.É oficial: Fábio Silva, avançado internacional português, deixa o Wolverhampton e assina pelo […]
Many surprises in Buffalo with unexpected cuts; questions remain about roster depth
This week brought major movement for the Buffalo Bills. With the deadline to finalize the 53-man roster, head coach Sean McDermott made several eyebrow-raising decisions, while strengthening the practice squad was also seen as a strategic move.Still, concerns linger about the team's depth. While new acquisitions might add value to the roster, doubts remain about the secondary, where injuries have created uncertainty.Josh Allen vs Joe Burrow: Highlights that fuel the debateA concern for the Bills heading into Week 1Cornerback Tre'Davious White was present at Buffalo's latest practice, though he only observed. He is still recovering from a lower-leg injury that has kept him sidelined.General manager Brandon Beane admitted the team is concerned about White's status but remains hopeful he could improve enough this week to play in the opener against the Baltimore Ravens.I'm sure as we get into next week, […]
Chelsea in talks to sign Brighton’s Buonanotte on loan
Chelsea are set to beat other Premier League clubs to the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton. Chelsea are in talks over a loan deal for the 20-year-old that does not include an option or an obligation to buy. The Blues are considered frontrunners for his signature despite interest from other Premier League clubs, including Leeds.Brighton have insisted that they only want to loan the Argentina international to a club in England.Sky Germany reported earlier in the window that Borussia Dortmund had made a loan offer for the player. Buonanotte would be the latest Brighton player - or member of staff - to make the move to Chelsea since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover at Stamford Bridge in 2022. Buonanotte would be reunited with former Seagulls team-mates Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro at Stamford Bridge. […]
‘No gamesmanship’ – Wolff reveals new Russell contract ‘a formality’
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says there is "no gamesmanship" in his contract talks with George Russell and revealed a new deal is "a formality".Russell and Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli are both out of contract at the end of this year, with the British driver stating ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix that he chose to delay negotiations over the summer break to ensure "everything is right". Sky Sports News understands talks between Mercedes and Russell have been advancing towards a multi-year deal which would see him stay at the team until at least the end of 2027."George is a Mercedes driver and Kimi as well. They are part of the team, part of the structure," Wolff told Sky Sports F1 at Zandvoort."Where we are is formalities. How can we optimise his performance, his marketing days, his travel? These […]
Be the first to leave a comment