US EditionMatt Petgrave Signs with Indy Fuel After on-Ice Tragedy Killed Adam Johnson
Matt Petgrave was cleared of manslaughter charges in April 2025 after a lengthy investigation into the 2023 fatal ice hockey incident involving Adam Johnson.
- On September 19, 2025, Matt Petgrave agreed to a contract to resume his professional hockey career with the ECHL’s Indianapolis-based team, the Indy Fuel.
- Nearly two years ago, Petgrave was involved in a fatal accident during a professional ice hockey match in England when his skate blade caused a deadly injury to Adam Johnson’s neck.
- After a 17-month investigation and multiple bail extensions following his arrest in November 2023 on suspicion of manslaughter, authorities cleared Petgrave of criminal charges in April.
- Fuel CEO Sean Hallett stated that, after thorough discussions with Petgrave and those familiar with him, they feel he deserves a chance to resume his professional hockey career, while Petgrave expressed gratitude for being given the chance to play again.
- The signing sparked mixed fan reactions but suggests the Fuel’s confidence that Petgrave will positively contribute to their team as their 12th season opens October 17 at home.
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Matt Petgrave signs with Indy Fuel after on-ice tragedy killed Adam Johnson
ECHL's Indy Fuel Add Matt Petgrave, Player At Center Of Tragic Adam Johnson Accident
The last time hockey player Matt Petgrave appeared in a professional game was on October 28, 2023, when he suited up for the Sheffield Steelers of the United Kingdom's Elite Ice Hockey League.Tragically, that night, Petgrave's skate fatally cut ex-NHLer Adam Johnson's neck and led to a criminal investigation that ultimately didn't bring charges.Now, Petgrave has signed a deal to restart his career with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL.There were some r…
Associated Press News
Matt Petgrave, whose skate fatally cut Adam Johnson's neck, signs in the ECHL
The player whose skate fatally cut Adam Johnson's neck in a hockey game in Britain has signed a contract to play for the Indy Fuel of the ECHL.
It's been two years since Matt Petgrave killed Adam Johnson on the ice by slitting his throat with a skate. The Canadian defenseman, also known from Pardubice, was suspected of murder but was not prosecuted, so he can return to hockey. He got a chance in the lower overseas league, the ECHL.
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