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<\/p>\nSheffield Steelers' Matt Petgrave was reported to be "absolutely distraught" after his blade fatally cut Adam Johnson.<\/p>\n
Petgrave, 31, was the player who tragically collided with the Nottingham Panthers forward during their Challenge Cup match on Saturday (October 28). While defending, his left leg came up in the air and the skate slashed Johnson's neck open.<\/p>\n
The Canadian, 31, has now been targeted with abusive messages. Panthers supporter Tina Taylor is one fan who has come to his defence, explaining how badly the freak incident has impacted him.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Petr Cech's ice hockey team make immediate rule change after Adam Johnson's freak incident<\/b><\/p>\n
READ MORE: Ice hockey star Adam Johnson's heartbroken fianc\u00e9e shares tribute after tragic death<\/b><\/p>\n
She said, via the Daily Mail: "He was absolutely distraught by the death of an opponent but it was a tragic accident and he was not to blame. The awful trolling must stop."<\/p>\n
Caroline Crossland, who was in attendance at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, also gave an insight into Petgrave's reaction on the ice. She wrote on social media: "Watching him break with shock and trauma was horrific, I can't imagine how he feels."<\/p>\n
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Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Johnson, including from those closest to him. His fiancee Ryan Wolfe posted a picture of them together with the caption: "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."<\/p>\n
She was reported to have rushed to the ice to pray for him while paramedics administered emergency treatment. Johnson's mum heartbreakingly posted on Facebook: "I lost half of my heart today. Love you always."<\/p>\n
There have been calls for neck guards to be made mandatory, which is not the case in most major leagues around the world, with Finland and Sweden two of the few countries to enforce them.<\/p>\n
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Petr Cech's club Oxford City Stars have announced they'll be making the rule change with immediate effect, calling on other clubs to follow suit to prevent a repeat of the incident in the future.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police have also confirmed it has launched a investigation into the "circumstances surrounding the incident". A statement said: "We were called at 8.25pm on Saturday, October 28, to reports that a player had been seriously injured during a Sheffield Steelers versus Nottingham Panthers game at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.<\/p>\n
"Officers attended the scene alongside other emergency services and one man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, he was later pronounced deceased at hospital.<\/p>\n
"Our officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries and our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing. We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our enquiries."<\/p>\n