Following the tragic death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who died after his neck was cut in a collision during a game, British prosecutors have decided not to press charges against the man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The collision involved defenseman Matt Petgrave, who was under police investigation and publicly acknowledged his involvement. After a comprehensive investigation and review of evidence by South Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, it was concluded that there was no realistic prospect of conviction. Johnson, a former Pittsburgh Penguins player, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in his first season and was living in England with his fiancée. In response to the incident and ensuing safety concerns, the English Ice Hockey Association mandated the use of neck guards for players starting in 2024.

Adam Johnson, a Nottingham Panthers ice hockey player, tragically died following a collision in which his neck was cut by the skate of Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave during a game on October 28, 2023.

The Crown Prosecution Service and South Yorkshire Police conducted a thorough investigation and concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge Petgrave, the player involved in the incident, with manslaughter.

Matt Petgrave was identified as the subject of the police investigation and had been re-bailed multiple times during the process, although he maintained the incident was accidental.

Adam Johnson, a former player for the Pittsburgh Penguins, had been playing in his first season with the Nottingham Panthers and was living with his fiancée in England while studying at Loughborough Business School.

In light of the incident, the English Ice Hockey Association has implemented a new rule requiring all players in England to wear neck guards starting in 2024 to enhance player safety.

The incident has sparked widespread discussions about player safety in ice hockey, with some teammates supporting Petgrave and asserting that the collision was not intentional.

Victor Björkung, a teammate who made the pass to Johnson before the collision, expressed trauma over the incident and subsequently left the team, underscoring the profound impact on those involved.