Who Is Matt Petgrave?
Matt Petgrave is a Canadian professional ice hockey player known for his time as a defenseman in various international leagues, including the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the United Kingdom. Over the years, he has played for several teams, including the Sheffield Steelers, Utah Grizzlies, and Toronto Marlies.
Born on January 29, 1992, in Toronto, Ontario, Petgrave developed a reputation as a physical, high-energy defender who brought toughness and passion to the ice. He played college hockey at University of New Brunswick and built his pro career across North America and Europe.
Early Life and Background
Matt Petgrave grew up in a sports-oriented family and was involved in hockey from a young age. His early development took place in Canadian junior leagues, including the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played for teams like the Niagara IceDogs, Oshawa Generals, and Mississauga Steelheads.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing around 200 pounds, Petgrave has always been known for his physicality, aggressive playing style, and defensive skillset.
After his time in junior hockey, he attended University of New Brunswick, where he played with the UNB Varsity Reds, helping the team win the 2017 University Cup Championship. He then transitioned to a professional hockey career.
Professional Hockey Career
Petgrave has played in multiple leagues throughout his career:
- ECHL (East Coast Hockey League)
- AHL (American Hockey League)
- EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League – United Kingdom)
Some of his professional teams include:
- Utah Grizzlies (ECHL)
- Brampton Beast (ECHL)
- Toronto Marlies (AHL)
- Sheffield Steelers (EIHL)
In the EIHL, Petgrave found a second wind, becoming a fan favorite for the Sheffield Steelers. He was appreciated for his defensive tenacity and leadership qualities.
The Adam Johnson Incident
Matt Petgrave came under intense public scrutiny after a tragic incident on October 28, 2023, during an EIHL game between the Sheffield Steelers and the Nottingham Panthers. In an on-ice collision, Adam Johnson, a player for the Panthers, suffered a fatal neck injury caused by Petgrave’s skate.
Johnson, who had briefly played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins, died later that evening in the hospital, sparking international headlines and massive public reaction.
Video footage of the incident was widely circulated online. While many initially labeled it a freak accident, others speculated about whether Petgrave’s actions were reckless or intentional.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, a criminal investigation was launched by South Yorkshire Police. Weeks later, on November 14, 2023, Matt Petgrave was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He was released on bail pending further investigation.
The arrest shocked the hockey world, with some defending Petgrave and others demanding justice for Adam Johnson. Petgrave’s supporters emphasized the chaotic nature of hockey and how high-speed plays can lead to tragic consequences. Others pointed to the angle and motion of the skate as potential evidence of misconduct.
As of mid-2025, the legal case remains under judicial process, and no final verdict has been issued. Petgrave has maintained a low public profile since the incident.
Public Reaction
The hockey community has been deeply divided in its response:
- Supporters of Petgrave argue that the play was unintentional, and criminalizing an in-game incident sets a dangerous precedent for the sport.
- Critics believe the skate’s positioning appeared careless or even malicious, and that accountability is necessary.
Several former players, coaches, and analysts have weighed in on both sides. The EIHL, NHL, and international hockey associations have discussed potential changes to equipment regulations — particularly regarding neck protection.
Some clubs have since mandated neck guards for their players, and safety reforms are ongoing at multiple levels of the sport.
Matt Petgrave’s Life After the Incident
Since the Adam Johnson incident, Matt Petgrave has largely stepped back from public life. He has not made official media appearances or issued detailed personal statements beyond cooperating with legal investigations.
He has faced:
- Public backlash on social media
- Loss of sponsorships or contracts
- Ongoing legal expenses
Reports indicate that Petgrave has been living in the United Kingdom, and is surrounded by a support team, including legal counsel, family members, and mental health professionals.
Whether he will return to professional hockey remains uncertain. Many experts believe his career may be over — not due to skill, but because of the psychological and reputational weight of the incident.
Personal and Public Image
Before the 2023 incident, Petgrave was seen as a respected team player known for grit and determination. He was never considered a dirty or malicious player by his peers. He was involved in community events, youth training programs, and charity initiatives with his teams.
Since the tragedy, his public image has been transformed — for better or worse — into a symbol of a growing conversation around accountability in sports, player safety, and the legal boundaries of athletic competition.
Legacy and Future
Matt Petgrave’s legacy is now tightly intertwined with the Adam Johnson tragedy. Even if cleared of criminal wrongdoing, the incident will likely follow him for life.
There are several possible outcomes ahead:
- Legal resolution: A decision from the UK legal system could clear, charge, or conditionally penalize him.
- Career revival or retirement: Depending on his legal outcome, he may attempt a return to the ice or formally retire.
- Advocacy or public speaking: Some speculate that Petgrave might use his experience to speak on player safety or mental health.
Regardless of what happens, Matt Petgrave will remain a complex and controversial figure in modern hockey history.
Final Thoughts
Matt Petgrave, once known simply as a tough, hardworking defenseman, is now at the center of one of hockey’s most tragic and legally significant moments. While his full story is still unfolding, he represents more than just an athlete — he’s a focal point in an evolving discussion about sports ethics, risk, and the consequences of split-second decisions on the ice.
As the investigation continues and the sport adapts, one thing is clear: Matt Petgrave’s name will forever be linked to a moment that changed hockey — and possibly the laws that govern it.