Ice hockey player who killed opponent Adam Johnson is distraught

The ice hockey player who accidentally slashed the throat of Adam Johnson is said to be 'absolutely distraught' following the Nottingham Panthers star's death.

Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave, 31, fatally cut his opponent's throat in a freak accident when they collided during a match in front of 8,000 horrified fans.

Petgrave crashed into one of Johnson's teammates on Saturday, which appeared to knock him off balance before his leg lifted up and sliced across Johnson's neck.

Supporters have been rallying around Canadian defender Petgrave after he received 'vile messages online' from 'heartless trolls' following the shocking incident.

Panthers fans said 'no one was to blame' for the 'horrific accident', and described watching Petgrave 'break with shock and trauma' after seeing what had happened.

The English Ice Hockey Association declined to tell MailOnline today whether it was providing support to Petgrave and/or calling for an investigation, but said that the 'hockey community is mourning the loss of a much-loved player'.

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