Matthew Petgrave, the hockey player whose skate slashed the throat of Adam Johnson during a game last year, is asking for help.
The 32-year-old defenceman, who remains under police investigation for the death of Johnson, has revealed details of his ongoing legal ordeal.
Petgrave, who plays for the Sheffield Steelers in England, put out a public plea for donations to cover his mounting legal fees after revealing himself as the man facing a criminal investigation for manslaughter.
He remains on police bail more than a year after the tragic death of Johnson, who was killed after Petgrave’s skate made contact with his neck after an on-ice incident in October, 2023.
During the play, the Steelers defenceman had attempted to hit a member of the Nottingham Panthers, but mistimed it and was sent off balance, with his skate coming up and hitting Johnson in the neck.
Johnson was helped to his feet and began to skate to the bench for assistance while a ref and teammate helped, but later died from his injury.
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Petgrave had not been named as the player facing potential criminal charges since he was arrested.
He posted a detailed statement on CrowdJustice, a U.K.-based crowdfunding site for “individuals, groups and communities to come together to fund legal action.”
In post titled “assistance needed for legal costs regarding allegation of manslaughter,” Petgrave wrote that he is “seeking help to cover some of my legal costs following an ice hockey accident in 2023.”
The Toronto-born player said that his situation had taken a turn — his visa has expired which means that he can no longer earn money playing hockey.
In addition, his insurance coverage has ended, prompting the move to seek public help.
“Hockey has been my lifelong passion and I consider it a great privilege to have built a career in the sport,” he wrote on the site
“On Oct. 28, 2023, I was involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the passing of fellow ice hockey player Adam Johnson.
“There is an ongoing police investigation and the legal process has been long and challenging.”
He thanked those who have supported him since the incident, saying that the support “has been invaluable to me and my family during this incredibly difficult time.”
He detailed his current situation and the challenges he faces.
“Initially, I had the benefit of Insurance Cover, but through no fault of my own, this has been halted.
“Additionally, the time and costs involved in the legal investigation and potential court proceedings are difficult for me to cover on a privately funded basis.
“This is especially challenging because my U.K. Visa has expired, preventing me from working as a professional ice hockey player while I continue to need legal assistance.
“I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs whilst I am subject to police bail, as well as additional costs if the matter proceeds to criminal court. Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey.”
As of Monday afternoon, the post had raised $15,000 of the $540,000 goal, with 18 days remaining.
According to the Daily Mail, South Yorkshire Police said that a man remains on bail as inquiries continue into the death of Adam Johnson.
Video of the incident went viral on social media and led to the Elite Ice Hockey League sending a message to “strongly encourage” players wear neck guards, but has not made them mandatory.