Arrest Made In On-Ice Death Of Minnesota Hockey Player Adam Johnson

On Saturday, October 28, tragedy struck when professional hockey player Adam Johnson was killed during a game in an Elite Hockey League game in Sheffield, England.

Johnson had a hockey skate blade cut into his neck while playing for the Nottingham Panthers and CPR needed to be administered. Johnson would not survive the injury, which sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world and hit especially hard in the Northland.

Adam Johnson started his hockey career in Hibbing and played for the UMD Bulldogs, helping lead them to their first National Collegiate Hockey Conference Frozen Faceoff championship in March of 2017. Johnson would then move on to the Penguins and ultimately end up playing for the Nottingham Panthers in England. It was there he would die at the age of 29.

At the time, there seemed to be a widespread assumption that the incident which led to his death was a freak accident. However, South Yorkshire Police announced on Tuesday, November 14 that they had made an arrest in relation to Johnon's death.

South Yorkshire Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfall issued the following statement:

"Our investigation launched immediately following this tragedy and we have been carrying out extensive enquiries ever since to piece together the events which led to the loss of Adam in these unprecedented circumstances.

"We have been speaking to highly specialised experts in their field to assist in our enquiries and continue to work closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our ongoing investigation.

"Adam's death has sent shockwaves through many communities, from our local residents here in Sheffield to ice hockey fans across the world. We know these communities will expect us to handle this investigation with the same professionalism, fairness and sensitivity as any other and request that members of the public refrain from comment and speculation which could hinder this process. Our thoughts remain with all affected by this devastating incident as enquiries continue."

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He added that detectives have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter and the individual is currently in police custody. While he didn't provide the name of the arrested individual, multiple sources are reporting that it's Sheffield hockey player Matt Petgrave, whose skate struck Johnson in the neck during the October 28 game.

Detective Chief Superintendent Becs Horsfal says that Adam's family is being supported through the investigation by their officers. The family has asked for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly difficult time.