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The investigation into one of the greatest tragedies to hit ice hockey is coming to an end. In October 2023, the skate of Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave struck Adam Johnson in the neck, causing a cut to his throat from which he bled to death.
The tragedy that shook ice hockey
The former Pittsburgh Penguins player died at the age of just 29 after a "shocking and deeply disturbing incident", in the words of the English Attorney General. English police (as it was there that the match took place) did not identify the man arrested after the incident on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.
However, following this process, the South Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have stated that "there is no realistic prospect of a conviction for any criminal offence. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson." These two institutions have worked "closely together to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against the other ice hockey player involved".
A controversial ending
The decision has caused controversy in the NHL (the league in which Johnson played before ing the Nottingham Panthers in England). This is because, after the incident, another former NHL player, Chris Therien, said that the incident had been intentional: "I was literally appalled and sickened by what I saw. It looked intentional. It was a Kung Fu kick. My eyes don't lie, tell me I'm wrong." After this chilling incident, the English Hockey Association made it mandatory to wear neck guards from 2024.