By Hove Team 
Matt Petgrave is a Canadian professional ice hockey player whose career spans junior leagues, college hockey, minor pro circuits across North America and Europe, and a return to the ice after one of the sport’s most heartbreaking on-ice tragedies. In the world of hockey, where thousands chase the dream of going pro, Petgrave stands out for his skating ability, defensive reliability, and quiet determination. Who is Matt Petgrave? This biography explores his life story, from growing up in Toronto to starring in the ECHL and facing life-changing challenges, showing what it takes to keep playing the game you love.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Petgrave |
| Also Known As / Nicknames | Matt Petgrave; Gravy |
| Date of Birth / Age | January 29, 1992 (age 34) |
| Birthplace / Hometown | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Primary Occupation | Professional ice hockey defenseman |
| Other Roles | None publicly noted |
| Genres / Fields | Ice hockey (OHL, university, ECHL, AHL, European leagues, EIHL) |
| Active Years | 2008–present |
| Breakthrough Year | 2017–18 (ECHL debut and All-Star recognition) |
| Notable Works | ECHL First-Team All-Star (2018–19 with Brampton Beast); UNB Reds national championships (2016, 2017); Sheffield Steelers (EIHL); current Indy Fuel (ECHL) |
| Awards & Honors | ECHL First-Team All-Star (2018–19); ECHL All-Star Game participant (2017–18); OHL Player of the Week (2011) |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Education & Training | University of New Brunswick (UNB Reds, 2013–2017) |
| Official Social Media Handles | Instagram: @m.gravey22 (private); limited public profiles |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 to $2 million (estimate based on professional hockey earnings; not officially verified) |
Matt Petgrave grew up in Toronto, Ontario, a city known for its passionate hockey culture. Like many Canadian kids, he laced up skates at a young age and played in local youth programs, including the Toronto Red Wings Minor Hockey Association and the Toronto Titans U18 AAA team. His family supported his passion early on. His parents often traveled to watch him play even during his early pro days in the ECHL. Toronto gave him access to strong development programs that helped shape his skills as a smooth-skating defenseman. Growing up in a diverse city also meant Petgrave, one of the fewer Black players in professional hockey, learned resilience amid the sport’s challenges. Those early years built the foundation for a career defined by hard work rather than flash.
Petgrave’s junior hockey path started in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Canada’s top junior circuit. He made his debut with the Niagara IceDogs in 2009–10, playing 67 games and posting 25 points. He then split time with the Owen Sound Attack (where the team won the OHL championship in 2011) and the Oshawa Generals. Over five OHL seasons, he appeared in about 243 games and recorded 157 points. In 2011, he earned OHL Player of the Week honors. A broken wrist in his final OHL season with Oshawa may have cost him a shot at an NHL contract, but it did not stop him.
Instead of going straight to the pros, Petgrave chose college hockey. In 2013, he joined the University of New Brunswick Reds (UNB Reds) in the Canadian university system. He played there for four seasons and helped the team win national championships in 2016 and 2017. College life taught him discipline, teamwork, and how to balance studies with hockey. Teammates described him as a well-liked leader both on and off the ice. Those years prepared him for the grind of professional hockey.
Petgrave turned pro after university. He signed with the Brampton Beast of the ECHL for the 2016–17 season. In 2017–18, he played 44 games and earned a spot in the ECHL All-Star Game. His big breakout came in 2018–19: 50 games, 40 points (8 goals, 32 assists), and selection to the ECHL First-Team All-Star squad. That season put him on the map as a reliable, high-producing defenseman in the minors.
Petgrave bounced between the ECHL and American Hockey League (AHL) with call-ups to teams like the Laval Rocket, Syracuse Crunch, Belleville Senators, and Utica Comets. He also played in Europe, suiting up in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, gaining international experience. In 2020, he joined the Florida Everblades in the ECHL. By 2023, he had landed with the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the United Kingdom.
One of Petgrave’s most visible moments came on October 28, 2023, during an EIHL game between the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers. In a routine collision during open play, Petgrave’s skate blade cut Adam Johnson’s neck. Johnson, a former NHL player, tragically passed away shortly after. Authorities investigated the incident as a possible manslaughter case. Petgrave was arrested on suspicion in November 2023 and re-bailed several times over 17 months. In April 2025, British prosecutors confirmed no criminal charges would be filed, describing the event as a tragic accident. Petgrave publicly called it “a tragic accident” and used a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal costs while pledging any leftover funds to hockey safety initiatives.
The incident brought intense public scrutiny and, in some cases, racist online abuse directed at Petgrave. Through it all, he stayed out of the spotlight and focused on clearing his name.
Petgrave earned respect from coaches and teammates across leagues for his skating, physical play, and leadership. His ECHL All-Star honors remain career highlights. He has played for 16 different teams across eight leagues, showing adaptability.
The 2023 incident tested Petgrave like nothing before. He faced legal uncertainty, loss of income, and public pressure while grieving alongside the hockey community. He described the process as “long and challenging.” Yet he showed strength by cooperating fully with investigators and using the experience to support hockey safety causes. His return to professional hockey in September 2025 with the Indy Fuel (the Chicago Blackhawks’ ECHL affiliate) marked a major turning point. The team’s CEO noted thorough discussions with coaches and teammates before signing him, emphasizing second chances after no charges were laid. Petgrave thanked the organization and fans for the opportunity to play the sport he loves again. This comeback highlights his mental toughness and love for the game.
Details about Petgrave’s private life stay mostly out of the public eye. He keeps a low profile away from the rink. No public information exists about a spouse, partner, or children. His family has always been supportive, with parents attending games even in lower-tier leagues. Teammates consistently describe him as a “great guy,” responsible, and a positive teammate. Outside hockey, he has shown interest in giving back, as seen in his pledge to donate to safety initiatives. He enjoys the camaraderie of team sports and the travel that comes with a journeyman career.
As a longtime minor-league and European pro, Petgrave’s earnings come mainly from player contracts, signing bonuses, and performance incentives. Estimates of his net worth range from $500,000 to $2 million, though exact figures are not publicly verified. He has not pursued major endorsement deals or side businesses in the spotlight. His income reflects a typical career path for dedicated players who stay in the game through passion rather than superstar contracts. Any future ventures would likely tie back to hockey, such as coaching or community programs.
- Did you know? Petgrave earned the nickname “Gravy” among friends and fans. His Instagram handle @m.gravey22 playfully nods to it.
- In the OHL, he was part of Owen Sound’s championship team and once earned Player of the Week honors.
- Despite the high-pressure investigation, he maintained a positive reputation among former coaches and teammates who called him “one of the nicest people” they had met.
- He has played in eight different professional leagues, showing remarkable adaptability.
- A quote from Petgrave after the 2023 incident: “On October 28, 2023, I was involved in a tragic accident that resulted in the passing of fellow ice hockey player Adam Johnson… I am seeking help to cover some of my legal costs… Any remaining funds will be donated to initiatives that promote safety in hockey.”
One lesser-known fact: Petgrave’s broken wrist in his final OHL season likely hurt his draft chances, yet he still built a long pro career through college and steady improvement.
What makes Matt Petgrave famous?
He is known as a skilled ECHL defenseman and ECHL All-Star who returned to pro hockey after being involved in a tragic on-ice accident in 2023 that took the life of Adam Johnson. No criminal charges were filed.
How did Matt Petgrave get his start in hockey?
He began in Toronto youth programs, moved to the OHL as a teenager, played college hockey at the University of New Brunswick, and turned pro in the ECHL.
What are Matt Petgrave’s biggest achievements?
He was named ECHL First-Team All-Star in 2018–19, played in the ECHL All-Star Game, helped UNB win two national titles, and has had a 15-plus-year pro career across multiple continents.
Will Matt Petgrave face charges related to the 2023 incident?
No. After a full investigation, British authorities confirmed in April 2025 that no criminal charges would be brought against him. The death was ruled a tragic accident.
Where is Matt Petgrave now?
He plays for the Indy Fuel of the ECHL in the 2025–26 season, his first team since the 2023 incident.
Is Matt Petgrave married or does he have children?
No public information is available about his relationship status or family beyond supportive parents.
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