INDIANAPOLIS – Player Matt Petgrave, whose skate caused the fatal neck injury of Adam Johnson in a hockey game in Great Britain nearly two years ago, has signed a contract to play with the Indy Fuel of the minor league ECHL. On Friday, the team announced the incorporation of Petgrave for the next season. Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the on-track incident on October 28, 2023. After an extensive investigation, authorities determined in April that the 33-year-old Canadian would not face charges.
Johnson died after Petgrave’s left skate cut his neck during an Elite Ice Hockey League match between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers. Petgrave has not played since.“After deep conversations with him and his previous coaches and teammates, we believe he should be given the opportunity to continue his playing career,” said Sean Hallett, CEO of Hallett Sports, owner of the Fuel, in a statement. “We understand the responsibility that comes with the great support we receive from this community. We are confident that he will be a positive addition to our team and our city.”
Sean Hallett, CEO of Hallett Sports
Before going abroad to play in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and England, the Toronto native spent several seasons in the ECHL and the American Hockey League. He was an ECHL All-Star in 2017-18. The ECHL is a North American development league two levels below the NHL.“I am grateful to the Fuel organization and the city of Indianapolis for allowing me the opportunity to continue my professional career in the sport that I love,” Petgrave said in a statement.
Matt Petgrave
