Arrest made in Adam Johnson case

This just in, South Yorkshire Police have arrested an unnamed man, presumed to be Sheffield Steelers forward Matt Petgrave, on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson last month.

From the BBC:

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, whose neck was cut during a match.

The Nottingham Panthers player was injured by a skate in a match against Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.

The 29-year-old was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination confirmed he died as a result of a fatal neck injury, South Yorkshire Police said.

The force said detectives arrested the suspect on Tuesday, adding that he remained in custody.

Days after the tragic accident, and yes I call it an accident because to me it's 100% crystal clear that what happened WAS an accident, South Yorkshire Police made an announcement that they would be investigating Johnson's death. Frankly, that didn't surprise me because I would expect an investigation in any death, accidental or otherwise. I can only hope that Petgrave's name is cleared fully because to me this is a shameful injustice being perpetrated by an ignorant police force. If you think that what Petgrave did was intentional then it's clear to me that you've never laced up a pair of skates in your life. If you think this guy intentionally kicked his opponent in the face then I don't know what to tell you. Go back to high school and take a physics class without doodling on your textbook.

Det Ch Supt Becs Horsfall, from South Yorkshire Police, said: "We have been carrying out extensive inquiries 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 inquiries 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."

Without trying to sound too much like a xenophobic North American, it's clear to me that these British investigators and "experts" have no clue what they're talking about when it comes to hockey. Literally everyone defending this arrest is either a Brit or an American with zero hockey knowledge. They're outraged for the sake of outrage and they're ruining two lives over a tragic accident. Truly shameful.

RIP, Adam Johnson. What happened to him is awful and I hope it never happens in a hockey game ever again. But to assume malice or intent on Petgrave's part is just disgusting ignorance.

More to come on this developing story.