Matt Petgrave hasn’t played hockey in two years since being involved in the on-ice tragedy that killed Adam Johnson
Petgrave was arrested by South Yorkshire police in November 2023 and spent 17 months on bail
Fuel CEO Sean Hallett: ‘We are confident that he will be a positive addition to our team and our city’
INDIANAPOLIS — The ECHL’s Indy Fuel have signed defenseman Matt Petgrave, who has been absent from hockey for nearly two years since being involved in an on-ice tragedy that killed former NHL player Adam Johnson.
The incident happened Oct. 28, 2023, during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in England when Johnson was cut in the neck by Petgrave’s skate blade.
In April, Petgrave was cleared of criminal charges.
‘We have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense and so there will not be a prosecution,’ Michael Quinn, deputy chief of the Crown Prosecution Service, said at the time. ‘This was a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.’
In announcing the Fuel’s signing of Petgrave Thursday, CEO Sean Hallett issued a statement regarding Johnson’s death and Petgrave’s involvement.
‘We are aware that Matt was involved in a tragic accident two years ago on the ice, where another player lost his life. No criminal charges were brought against Matt after the accident,’ Hallett said. ‘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.’
Hallett went on to say: ‘We understand the responsibility that comes with the great support we receive from this community. We are confident that he will be a positive addition to our team and our city.’
Petgrave, 33, is a 6-1, 200-pound defenseman who most recently played two seasons for the Sheffield Steelers of the Elite Ice Hockey League until October 2023 when the incident occurred. In 61 games, he scored 51 points for the Steelers.
‘I am thankful to the Fuel organization and the city of Indianapolis,’ Petgrave, a Toronto native, said in a statement Thursday, ‘for allowing me the opportunity to continue my professional career in the sport I love.’
Tragedy on the ice
It was the second period of a game in Sheffield, England, on Oct. 28, 2023, when Johnson, playing for the Nottingham Panthers, was carrying the puck into the offensive zone.
As Petgrave fell after contact with another player, he kicked his left leg up into the air. His skate blade hit Johnson in the neck.
Johnson, 29, tried to skate away but quickly collapsed onto the ice. The game ended as fans were asked to leave the arena due to a ‘major medical emergency.’
The next day, the Panthers confirmed Johnson’s death, calling it a ‘freak accident.’
After the Fuel’s signing of Petgrave Thursday, fans responded by the thousands, many supporting his second chance while others denounced him being back on the ice.
In the two years since Johnson’s death, Petgrave has denied allegations of any intentional harm against Johnson and has consistently described what happened as a ‘tragic accident.’
Before playing overseas, Petgrave spent five seasons in the ECHL and American Hockey League. He played for the Florida Everblades in 2021 and during the 2017-18 season, he was named an ECHL All-Star with the Brampton Beast after scoring 40 points in 50 games.
Petgrave is an OHL champion, CIS University Cup champion and USports University Cup champion.
The Indy Fuel’s 12th season opens Oct. 17 at home at the Fishers Event Center.
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X:@DanaBenbow. Reach her via email:dbenbow@indystar.com.