Dude, this is horrific — a play that literally makes me want to vomit. Matt Petgrave, who led the EIHL in penalty minutes in 2022, eyes up the puck-carrier as early as the red line here, and watch what happens as the puck enters the zone:
[Warning: I have edited out the bloodstain on the jersey that the TV cameras captured at the end, but this is horrifically violent, even when viewed from a distance]
The play, as you can imagine, caused former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson to lose his life at just 29 years old. One of the most freak plays you'll ever see in hockey.
The media is calling this an accident, but I'm wondering how often a player's leg reaches up into the air in that fashion. I'm not making any accusations; it just doesn't seem much like a hockey play if you ask me.
When you're beat on defense, especially with no help behind you, throwing your leg out is a last resort to keep your opponent from scoring. It's usually worth the penalty as goals are hard to come by, so you don't want to give up an easy one. But this play is just something you never want to see down there on the ice.
Maybe time for a little neck protection in hockey.
Prayers up for Adam Johnson and his family.
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