Player Learns Legal Fate After Fatal Skate Incident Involving Former Pittsburgh Penguin

Hockey player Matt Petgrave has learned his fate after his skate slashed the throat and killed fellow hockey player Adam Johnson during a game in October of 2023.

The website reports that British officials announced this week that Matt Petgrave will not face charges.

Petgrave was playing for the Sheffield Steelers when he collided with Adam Johnson of the Nottingham Panthers back in 2023. Johnson died shortly after his neck was slashed by Petgrave.

Johnson briefly played with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

According to the Associated Press, Johnson was skating into the defensive zone when Petgrave’s skate elevated and hit Johnson as Johnson fell. The blade hit Johnson’s neck, ultimately killing him.

Matt Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, before being released on bond eight times over the next several months, according to TMZ. The report states that Petgrave was told to stay in the country as the investigation played out.

The Crown Prosecution Service announced on Tuesday that it will not pursue charges, TMZ reports.

"We have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson,” the CPS reportedly said in a statement.

The Pittsburgh Penguins issued a statement following Johnson’s death.

“Adam will always be a part of the Penguins family. It was our honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League,” the Penguins said.