Former coach of Matt Petgrave makes explosive statements about him.
The hockey world is still reeling from the loss of Adam Johnson, formerly of the NHL and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Johnson suffered a fatal injury from the skate blade of Matt Petgrave, who plays for the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL.
The incident gained global attention as Johnson attempted to break into the Sheffield zone, and Petgrave, in a controversial move, kicked his leg upward, making contact with Johnson's neck. Johnson immediately dropped to the ice, requiring emergency attention, and was rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, Johnson succumbed to his wound and died several hours later.
Since the news broke, many players and former NHLers have shared their opinions on the incident. One man, Elmo Aittola, who was Petgrave's former coach, expressed strong words, calling him a very dirty player and reckless.
"I coached Matt for a very short time. I wanted to get rid of him immediately," says Aittola.
Aittola elaborated on the negative image Petgrave left with him and the type of player he perceives him to be.
"I was left with a very negative image of him. He doesn't respect his teammates or opponents at all," says Aittola. "He used to get into unclear situations. He is a very dirty player."
Aittola coached Petgrave in the Slovakian league during the 2021-2022 season as an assistant coach with the HK Spisska Nova Ves. While Aittola doesn't believe Petgrave had the intention to kill anyone, he acknowledges Petgrave's inclination to use his skate blade to stop an opponent.
«I don't think his (Petgrave's) intention was to kill anyone. I don't think he intended to harm anyone," says Aittola. "But if there's one player I'm willing to believe could use his skates to stop an opponent, I think Matt Petgrave could do it. He is an extremely reckless player.»
The police investigation is ongoing, and Petgrave was arrested but has not been formally charged with manslaughter. He was released on bail.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Matt Petgrave was intentional with his throat kick to Adam Johnson ? | ||
| Yes | 119 | 47.8 % |
| No | 130 | 52.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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