Professional hockey player Matt Petgrave was involved in an incident that resulted in the death of a player on the ice Saturday.
Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson died aged 29 following a mid-game collision with Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave.
Johnson, who played for UK team Nottingham Panthers, died Sunday after Sheffield Steelers star Matt Petgrave’s skate cut his throat in a ‘freak accident.’ Petgrave crashed into one of Johnson’s teammates during the Saturday match and the collision appeared to throw him off balance and cause him to raise his leg into the air towards the Minnesota native.
There has been no suggestion Petgrave did anything wrong as police continue their investigation into Johnson’s death.
Despite Petgrave not doing anything wrong, folks on social media are accusing him of being a ‘murderer’ before declaring ‘White lives matter’ or ‘Keep hockey white.’ He is also receiving death threats.
Petgrave was not made available to the media and is reportedly “absolutely distraught” over the incident.
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As you can see above, Petgrave is Black and has been subject to immense racial abuse since Johnson’s death. He has protected his Twitter account.
The Panthers announced Johnson’s death in the early hours of Sunday.
“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,” the post said.
“The Panthers would like to send our thoughts to Adam’s family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time,” the statement said. “Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam’s passing.
“Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today’s news.”
The Panthers described Johnson as “not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him.”
Petgrave spent two seasons with the ECHL’s Brampton Beast and made stops in Slovakia and Czechia’s respective pro leagues before joining Sheffield last season.
Petgrave recorded nine goals and 48 points for Sheffield during the 2022-23 campaign.
