Man Re-Bailed In MN Hockey Player's Death After Skate Blade Collision

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND — The man arrested over a year ago on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of ice hockey player and Minnesota native Adam Johnson in England was re-bailed again on Friday.

Johnson, 29, died after a skate blade cut his neck during a November 2023 game in Sheffield, England. Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave was arrested two weeks later.

Petgrave has been re-bailed several times — this one extending to May 29.

To be re-bailed means that after an individual is arrested and granted bail, they are granted bail again, typically while further investigation is needed.

"The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to understand the circumstances surrounding Adam’s tragic death," South Yorkshire Police said in a statement Friday.

"Any further updates or developments in this investigation ahead of the new bail expiry date will be issued proactively on our website. Our thoughts remain with Adam’s family and friends."

During the game in 2023, Johnson, a forward for the Nottingham Panthers, was carrying the puck when Petgrave lifted his leg, and the blade of his skate struck Johnson’s neck.

Blood immediately gushed from Johnson's neck and a ref escorted him off the rink to receive medical attention. Johnson's team announced his death a day later.

After graduating from Hibbing High School in 2013, Johnson went on to play hockey for the Indiana Ice, Sioux City Musketeers, University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, then professionally for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Malmo Redhawks, Ontario Reign, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Augsburger Panthers and finally, the Nottingham Panthers.

"Adam had a quiet confidence about him and was never boastful," his obituary read. "He loved his fiancée, family, and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanor will be eternally missed."

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.