Adam Johnson’s family is dealing with the hockey player’s tragic death in different ways, according to his aunt, Kari Johnson.
The 29-year-old Johnson, who previously played for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, died after his throat was slashed by a skate blade, which severed his carotid artery, during a game Saturday in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).
The fatal incident occurred when Johnson, who was playing for the Nottingham Panthers, was cut by the skate of Matt Petgrave, a player on the opposing Sheffield Steelers.
Johnson’s 62-year-old aunt — who insisted she does not believe Petgrave intended to kill her nephew — explained to South West News Service why she believes his actions were careless.
“It was very reckless,” Kari said of the “horrific tragedy” while speaking from her Minnesota home. “I just want them [authorities investigating] to get it right. We are looking for justice for Adam.”
On Monday, South Yorkshire Police issued a statement that they are investigating the circumstances of Johnson’s death, which was described as a “freak accident” by the Panthers.
Kari, who recalled watching the game at home in real-time with Johnson’s parents, said Petgrave’s movement was “totally unnecessary” after she reviewed “hundreds” of replays of the brutal scene.
“We are absolutely calling for a complete investigation,” she said. “You don’t take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. I’m sorry.”
Kari said what she saw was “not hockey” during the controversial play, which took place at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
“My nephew was 6-feet tall, and whether you lost your balance or not, to have that leg come up that high and do a kicking motion like he did, that is just unacceptable,” she said.
“I think the actions were unnecessary. It was just unnecessary. Nobody touched him. I’ve watched that video hundreds of times.
“That’s not a hockey play, that’s not a check. I understand that every team has an enforcer, per se, on their team.
“I’m sure Mr. Petgrave probably didn’t even think about the consequences could be of that happening, but there comes a time when you have to realize, that’s not hockey.
“And I’m sure he’s going through a lot too, but he took our boy. There are a few of us in the family that think it was a totally unnecessary, very, very bad action to take.”
Kari explained that she will “have to accept” the eventual outcome of the investigation.
“If they find against what I feel, I will have to accept that. But I’ve felt throughout it’s very, very reckless and unnecessary,” she said.
“It took a life. I don’t want to see it for someone else.”
The English Ice Hockey Association announced Monday it is making neck guards mandatory for all players during on-ice activities beginning Dec. 31.
Kari added that she would “100 percent” support the mandatory ruling for neck protection to be worn during hockey games moving forward.
Kari said Adam, who grew up in Grand Rapids, was preparing to “hang up his skates” and complete his Master’s degree in finance.
Johnson played parts of two seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2018-20, before taking his talents to Europe.
Johnsons girlfriend, Ryan Wolfe, shared a tribute to the late forward Monday on her Instagram Stories.
