An unnamed man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the loss of life of former NHL participant Adam Johnson who was tragically killed on the ice earlier this yr.
Johnson died on account of a deadly lower to his neck from a skate worn by Sheffield Steelers defender Matt Petgrave while enjoying for the Nottingham Panthers within the UK’s high ice hockey division.
Described as a ‘freak accident,’ the tragedy led to the Worldwide Ice Hockey Federation making neck guards necessary for all ranges of competitors of their tournaments, together with the Olympics.
On Tuesday, English Police arrested a person on suspicion of manslaughter – he has not been named, however many imagine it to be Petgrave, who has a historical past of lashing out with acts of violence on the rink.
“Our investigation launched instantly following this tragedy and we’ve been finishing up intensive inquiries ever since to piece collectively the occasions which led to the lack of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances,” Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall stated.
Current occasions within the NHL involving star participant Connor Bedard have solely furthered the game’s necessity for necessary neck guards.
Shut name tonight as Connor Bedard’s skate virtually lower Mark Scheifele within the neck 😱 pic.twitter.com/shC4f9qTDJ
— Gino Exhausting (@GinoHard_) December 28, 2023
Johnson’s teammate Westin Michaud defended Petgrave, saying the slash was an ‘unintentional clip’ and provided his help for the defender.
“The hate that Matt is receiving is horrible and fully uncalled for,” Michaud posted. “It’s clear to me his actions had been unintentional and anybody suggesting in any other case is mistaken. Let’s come collectively and never unfold unwarranted hate to somebody who wants our help.”
Johnson, who was born in Minnesota, performed in 13 NHL video games with the Pittsburgh Penguins throughout the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns.
Among the participant’s household referred to as Petgrave’s act ‘reckless’ and demanded justice for his loss of life, which took the lifetime of a proficient and cherished individual far too quickly.
