The Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team returned to the ice for the first time since one of their players was involved in a tragic accident that killed an opponent. Matt Petgrave, whose skate blade slit the throat of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson, was given a standing ovation by the fans at the Utilita Arena.
A moment of silence for Adam Johnson
Before the game against Coventry Blaze on Sunday, a moment of silence was held in tribute to Johnson, who died at the hospital after the incident on October 28. Johnson, 29, was a Minnesota native who played 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020. He joined the Panthers in August 2023 and was described by his team as a “wonderful person and a great player”.
The accident occurred during a Challenge Cup match between the Steelers and the Panthers, when Petgrave and Johnson collided at high speed. The blade of Petgrave’s skate accidentally cut Johnson’s neck, causing a fatal injury. The game was immediately stopped and both teams left the ice.
Matt Petgrave receives applause from the fans
Petgrave, 31, did not play in the game against Coventry Blaze, but his image appeared on the big screen during the warm-up. The fans in attendance applauded him, showing their support and sympathy for the player who was left “devastated” by the accident. Petgrave also received messages of solidarity from the Panthers and other ice hockey players and fans.
Some people on social media, however, accused Petgrave of deliberately causing the injury to Johnson, which was strongly denied by his teammates and opponents. Westin Michaud, a Panthers player who witnessed the accident, tweeted: “We wholeheartedly stand with Matt Petgrave. The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for. I was at ice level on the bench closest to the accident, I saw both players moving fast. The unintentional clip of the Panther player’s leg by the Sheffield player caused the somersault. It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let’s come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support.”
Neck guards to be mandatory in England
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), which governs the sport below the Elite League, reacted to Johnson’s death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024. Neck guards will also be mandatory from January 1 for all on-ice activities. The EIHA gave its “strong recommendation” that all players start wearing a neck guard, effective immediately. It said neck guards would not be mandatory immediately because of anticipated supply issues.
The EIHA said it was “unacceptable” for any player to lose their life while playing sport and that it was committed to ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again. It also announced that it would conduct a “thorough” review of player safety equipment, including helmets, mouthguards, and facial protection, within 12 months.
Steelers win the game 2-1
The Steelers, who had not played since the accident, managed to win the game against Coventry Blaze 2-1, thanks to goals from Tanner Eberle and Liam Kirk. The Steelers are currently second in the Elite League standings, behind the Cardiff Devils. The Panthers, who also resumed their games over the weekend, are fourth in the table.
The Steelers and the Panthers will face each other again on November 19, in what is expected to be an emotional encounter. Both teams have expressed their condolences and respect for Johnson and his family, and have pledged to honor his memory.
