Matt Petgrave is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who has built a solid journeyman career across North American minor leagues and international competitions. He is best known for his defensive skills, physical play, and recent return to the sport after a difficult period following a tragic on-ice accident in 2023. His story highlights perseverance in professional hockey, where he has played in the OHL, ECHL, and EIHL, and continues to contribute on the ice with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL as of the 2025-26 season.
Key Points
- Career Overview: A reliable defenseman with strong skating and point production in lower professional leagues, including All-Star honors in the ECHL.
- The 2023 Incident: Involved in a fatal collision during an EIHL game; ruled a tragic accident with no criminal charges filed after investigation.
- Current Status: Back playing professionally since 2025, showing resilience amid challenges.
- Net Worth: Estimated between $500,000 and $1 million (figures vary and are approximate, based on career earnings in minor professional hockey).
- Personal Life: Keeps a low public profile; limited details available on family or relationships.
Personal Details Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Petgrave |
| Nickname | Gravy |
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1992 |
| Age | 34 (as of February 2026) |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Professional Ice Hockey Defenseman |
| Known For | Journeyman career in ECHL/EIHL; 2023 incident and comeback |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 189-201 lbs (86-91 kg) |
| Family / Spouse | Private; no public details available |
| Education | University of New Brunswick (UNB Reds) |
| Social Media Followers | Limited public presence |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million (approximate) |
Early Life and Background
Matt Petgrave grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where he developed a passion for hockey from a young age. He started in local youth programs, including the Toronto Titans U18 AAA team, before moving to junior levels. His early years focused on building defensive skills and physicality, leading him to the Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Bramalea Blues. He then advanced to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing for teams like the Niagara IceDogs, Owen Sound Attack, and Oshawa Generals, where he recorded solid point totals and earned OHL Player of the Week honors in 2011. A broken wrist during his time with the Generals may have affected higher-level opportunities. After juniors, he attended the University of New Brunswick, competing for the UNB Reds and winning university championships.
Career Journey and Major Achievements
Petgrave turned professional in 2017 with the Brampton Beast in the ECHL, quickly establishing himself as a dependable defenseman. He earned ECHL All-Star Game selection in 2017-18 and First-Team All-Star honors in 2018-19 after posting 40 points in 50 games. He had brief AHL stints and later played internationally in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. From 2022-2023, he joined the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL, contributing 51 points in 61 games and leading the league in penalty minutes one season, reflecting his physical style.
His career paused after the October 28, 2023, incident during a game against the Nottingham Panthers, where a collision resulted in Adam Johnson’s tragic death from a skate blade injury. Authorities investigated thoroughly, arresting Petgrave on suspicion of manslaughter before clearing him of charges in April 2025, concluding no realistic prospect of conviction. The incident prompted discussions on player safety, including neck guard mandates in several leagues.
In September 2025, Petgrave signed with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, marking his return after nearly two years away. The team acknowledged the past tragedy but emphasized his character and opportunity to play.
Personal Life and Relationships
Petgrave maintains a very private life away from the spotlight. Details about family, relationships, or personal interests are scarce, with no public disclosures on marital status or children. He has kept social media low-key or private. Reports describe him as a dedicated professional focused on hockey and safety improvements post-2023.
Net Worth and Income Breakdown
Matt Petgrave’s estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $1 million. These figures are approximate and based on public speculation about earnings from minor professional contracts, as exact details are not disclosed. Main income sources include salaries from ECHL, EIHL, and overseas leagues (typically modest compared to NHL levels), along with potential minor endorsements or bonuses. His career in lower-tier pro hockey has provided steady but not extravagant income over nearly a decade.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Attended NHL prospect camps for the Chicago Blackhawks (2011) and Washington Capitals (2013).
- Known for high penalty minutes in some seasons, reflecting an aggressive defensive style.
- His comeback with Indy Fuel has been viewed as a story of resilience in professional sports.
Influence and Legacy
Petgrave’s journey underscores the physical risks in hockey and the importance of safety measures. While the 2023 incident remains a somber part of his story, his return to play highlights second chances and mental fortitude. He contributes to ongoing discussions on protective gear and player welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Matt Petgrave’s net worth?
Estimates place it between $500,000 and $1 million, though exact figures are unavailable.
How did Matt Petgrave become known?
Through his long career in minor and international leagues, and notably the 2023 on-ice tragedy.
What happened in the 2023 incident?
A collision led to a fatal injury for Adam Johnson; it was investigated as an accident with no charges filed.
Where is Matt Petgrave now?
Playing for the Indy Fuel in the ECHL during the 2025-26 season.
Has Matt Petgrave won any major awards?
ECHL First-Team All-Star (2018-19), multiple university championships, and OHL honors.
You May Also Like: Troy Dendekker: Biography, Personal Life, Career, and Net Worth
