Charges in the Adam Johnson case would have had huge impact on all contact sports

SPORTS fans often have a list of memorable dates. Unforgettable goals, games, victories and trophy wins are all moments spectators never forget.

- By SAM COOPER

October 28, 2023, will be one that ice hockey fans always have in their minds. But it is unforgettable for tragic reasons.

That was the day Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson was tragically hit in the neck by an opponent's skate. The 29-year-old died of his injuries.

Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave identified himself as the man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident. He was first arrested a month after the incident and went on to be re-bailed a number of times as police repeatedly said how “complex” the investigation was.

The incident led to a huge outpouring of grief among the ice hockey community. I played for more than 20 years and see myself as part of this family. The sport and those who follow or play it struggled to come to terms with the tragedy. Panthers and Steelers both took time off from their busy schedules before returning to the ice.

Mental health staff attended both the clubs’ first games back to offer support to fans who were at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield that night. While both teams did return to action and complete their seasons, anxiety remained, and is still there in arenas and rinks around the country.