On 28 October, ice hockey player Adam Johnson was fatally injured in what his team has labeled a “freak accident.”
The Nottingham Panthers forward was seriously hurt after colliding with Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave, with the defenseman’s boot blade slicing Johnson’s throat.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, the 29-year-old died at hospital a short time later.
Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images Sport
Petgrave is said to be “absolutely distraught” about Johnson’s death and is being heavily trolled on social media over the incident.
Former NHL player Chris Therien has accused the 31-year-old of purposefully trying to injure Johnson, calling the kick intentional.
“After seeing the incident involving Adam Johnson, that bush league needs to shut down for investigation immediately,” the 51-year-old former defenseman posted to X, formerly Twitter.
“I was literally appalled and sickened by what I saw. It looked intentional. It was a kung fu kick. My eyes are not lying, tell me I’m wrong.”
Newsweek has reached out to Therien for comment via Facebook.
Since being shared on October 30, Therien’s post has received more than 399,000 views.
Some agreed with the ex-Philadelphia Flyers and Dalla Stars’ player, with user Salty Texan calling the collision “voluntary manslaughter.”
After seeing the incident involving Adam Johnson, that Bush league needs to shut down for investigation immediately. I was literally appalled and sickened by what I saw. It looked intentional. It was a Kung fu kick. My eyes are not lying tell me I’m wrong
— Chris Therien (@ctherien6) October 30, 2023
“I want to be wrong, but to me it looked like a deliberate kick,” said Dane.
“Fists fly not legs,” claimed Rich Havyer.
“I refuse to believe the defender targeted that area on purpose, but I do think it was an incredibly reckless attempt at disrupting Johnson’s path into the middle ice,” said Marc Methot.
Other users defended Petgrave, with raymond smyth asking: “Are you watching the same clip I am?”
“He collided with the player in front and it swung him in an awkward position. He didn’t intentionally drop-kick him,” he said.
“Why would he intentionally high kick the puck carrier? And how would he have pulled it off intentionally? Makes way less sense than it happening accidentally,” commented Braden.
Miehmer agreed, writing: “I also do not believe for a second that defender had any intention of that terrible accident happening.”
“Petgrave never went in with intent to get his skate high. He loses balance and the leg comes up,” said @4000AndCounting.
After the injury occurred, players attempted to create a wall around Johnson to shield him from the 8,000 audience members.
The Minnesota native previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Swedish team the Malmö Redhawks and Germany’s Augsburger Panther. He joined the Nottingham Panthers in August, playing in the Elite Ice Hockey League.
A probe into the incident has been launched by South Yorkshire Police, who were called to the scene on Saturday.
A representative for the force told the BBC: “Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries.
“Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.