Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave: A Closer Look at the Hockey Player Involved in Adam Johnson's Tragic Incident

Sheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave: A Closer Look at the Hockey Player Involved in Adam Johnson's Tragic Incident

In the latest developments surrounding the unfortunate death of Hibbing, Minnesota hockey player Adam Johnson, an arrest has been made in the U.K. Although officials have yet to officially confirm the suspect's identity, it has been reported that hockey player Matt Petgrave, 31, is the skater involved in the incident.

Petgrave, a seasoned athlete, has been a key member of the Sheffield Steelers for the past two seasons. The Sheffield Steelers, a professional hockey team based in Sheffield, England, expressed their support for Petgrave during their recent home game against the Coventry Blaze, the first since Johnson's tragic death. Despite not playing, Petgrave received a standing ovation from the audience, as captured in videos circulating on social media.

Originally hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Petgrave's career journey includes joining the Ontario Hockey League in 2009 after going undrafted. Over the years, he has showcased his skills in various leagues, including USports, the East Coast Hockey League in New Jersey, and the American Hockey League.

The incident that led to Johnson's death occurred during a game last month, where Petgrave's skate accidentally cut Johnson's neck. Following the incident, Petgrave has faced unwarranted criticism and hate on social media. In a supportive statement, Johnson's teammate Westin Michaud defended Petgrave, emphasizing that the incident was unintentional and should not be misconstrued.

The Sheffield Steelers' recent game was marked by an emotional atmosphere, reflecting the impact of the tragic incident. As investigations continue, the hockey community remains united in acknowledging the unintentional nature of the incident and rallying behind Matt Petgrave during this challenging time.