HOCKEY HOMICIDE

By Bob Walsh

Johnson seen seconds before the freak incident at Sheffield's Utilita Arena

 

An American skater who had previously played for the Pittsburg Penguins died last month after his throat was cut by the skate of an opposing player in the U.K.

Adam Johnson, 29, had previously played in the NHL and was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in a Championship Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28.  The incident was originally called a freak accident, but after careful review of the tapes the cops decided to file a manslaughter complaint against the opposing player, Matt Petgrave. I saw the tape on the tube and it sure did not look like an accident to me.  Also Petgrave, 31, is the most penalized player in the English Ice Hockey Association.  

Official sources confirm Petgrave was involved in the "incident" but would not confirm his arrest.  The "suspect" has since been released on bail.

The English Ice Hockey Association has just mandated neck guards for players beginning next year.