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Matt Petgrave, the hockey defenseman whose skate cut Adam Johnson’s neck during an Oct. 28 game in England that led to Johnson’s death, received a standing ovation during his team’s first home game since Johnson died at the age of 29.
The Sheffield Steelers, who hosted Johnson’s Nottingham Panthers two weeks earlier, returned to Utilita Arena Sheffield on Sunday and paid tribute to Johnson before their Elite Ice Hockey League game against the Coventry Blaze, with a wreath laid at center ice and a two-minute moment of silence followed by a minute of applause, according to BBC.
When an image of Petgrave — who did not play Sunday — was shown on the video board, the more than 8,000 fans in attendance gave the 31-year-old a standing ovation.
South Yorkshire police on Tuesday arrested a man in connection to Johnson’s death on suspicion of manslaughter. The identity of the man was not revealed.
Former Ranger Sean Avery gave his take on the incident after Johnson died, responding to Fox News’ Jesse Watters saying the play looked like “murder.”
22nd minute… Standing ovation for Sheffield Steelers defenceman Matt Petgrave, who’s not on the ice tonight.
Over 8,000 fans all on their feet to show their support & love for Petgrave. pic.twitter.com/Muu8yIEdnJ
“That’s a pretty dangerous word to be throwing around,” Avery replied.
“I’ve watched it, it’s terrible, it’s tough to watch. Did this kid make a move that was very unorthodox? Do I think he was trying to make contact of some sort? Absolutely.”
“Do I think he woke up and said, ‘I’m going to murder somebody today?’ No.”
Johnson’s aunt, Kari, told SWNS that Petgrave’s actions were “very reckless.”
“We are looking for justice for Adam,” she said.
Westin Michaud, Johnson’s Nottingham Panthers teammate, defended Petgrave after Johnson’s death.
“We wholeheartedly stand with Matt Petgrave,” Michaud wrote on X on Oct. 30. “The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for. I was at ice level on the bench closest to the accident, I saw both players moving fast.
“The unintentional clip of the Panther player’s leg by the Sheffield player caused the somersault. It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken. Let’s come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs [our] support.”
Johnson, a Minnesota native, played 13 total games for the Pittsburgh Penguins across the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
He played for German club Augsburger Panther last year before joining Nottingham in August.
Johnson’s fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, delivered a heartbreaking eulogy during a memorial last week at a hockey rink in Hibbing, Minn.
“To me, you were everything,” Wolfe said. “You were my home, my best friend, my sounding board, my rock, my safe haven and the love of my life. I’m never going to stop thinking about you, missing you and loving you until we can be together again. I love you.”
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