Ex-NHL player claims Matt Petgrave was 'trying' to make contact with ice hockey star Adam Johnson who died in collision

A FORMER NHL player claims Matt Petgrave was “trying” to make contact with ice hockey opponent Adam Johnson when he was fatally struck by a skate.

Nottingham Panthers forward Johnson, 29, suffered a cut to his throat when he collided with Sheffield Steelers’ Petgrave, who is said to be “absolutely devastated” by the tragedy.

Adam Johnson in action for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL Credit: ©Icon Sportswire

Matt Petgrave’s skate caused a fatal injury Saturday nightCredit: 2019 NHLI

Sean Avery suggested that Petgrave was trying to make physical contact with Johnson Credit: Fox News

Flowers and messages left in tribute outside the Motorpoint Arena in NottinghamCredit: PA

Petgrave confronts Johnson on the ice

Sean Avery, who has played for four NHL clubs for more than a decade, admitted that it was difficult for him to watch the footage of the collision.

Petgrave appeared to lose his balance as his skate was lifted into the air. There is no indication of any wrongdoing.

Johnson received first aid on the ice before being rushed to hospital, but later died from his injuries.

In a guest appearance on Fox News, Avery said she disagreed when host Jesse Watters said Petgrave was a “dirty” player and that the crash looked like “homicide,” MailOnline reported.

He replied: “That’s a pretty dangerous word to throw around. I watched it, it’s horrible, it’s hard to watch.

“Did this kid make a move that was very unusual? Do I think he was trying to make some kind of contact? Absolutely.”

The retired Canadian star added: “Do I think he woke up and said I’m going to kill somebody today? No.”

Avery also suggested that regulators should look into the use of thin titanium blades on the bottom of skates.

He continued: “I saw the kick… I saw the leg move. It shouldn’t have been where it was.

“It’s horrible. I can’t even watch the video.”

Johnson fell to the floor after the horrific crash and was briefly helped to the side of the rink by a teammate before collapsing.

The players formed a ring around Johnson to give him privacy as he received emergency medical treatment, while his partner also ran onto the ice after the incident.

He was rushed to hospital from the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, but a Panthers club statement the following morning confirmed that he had died from his injuries.

Heartbroken fans gathered outside the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Sunday and Monday to pay their respects.

A sea of tributes, including flowers, heartfelt messages, a shirt and a trophy with the player’s number 47, were left by fans of both clubs.

Johnson’s fiancee Ryan Wolfe reportedly visited the makeshift memorial with her teammates on Monday.

Ice hockey fans will hold vigils in Nottingham and Sheffield on Saturday, gathering at 8pm for a minute’s silence.

The Elite Hockey League also confirmed that the Panthers’ next three games have been postponed as players are “still dealing with the events of Saturday night.”