Man arrested following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson in England won’t face charges – Chicago Tribune
LONDON — A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told he will not face any charges, British prosecutors said Tuesday. Johnson played for the Nottingham Panthers and died shortly after his neck had been sliced in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave […]
LONDON — A man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told he will not face any charges, British prosecutors said Tuesday.
Johnson played for the Nottingham Panthers and died shortly after his neck had been sliced in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave during a game on Oct. 28, 2023.
A man was arrested two weeks later and though South Yorkshire Police did not publicly identify him, Petgrave himself said in a crowdfunding appeal for legal fees that he was the subject of a police investigation.
On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would not bring criminal charges against the man arrested following what it described as “a shocking and deeply upsetting incident.”
“The CPS and South Yorkshire Police have worked closely together to determine whether any criminal charges should be brought against the other ice hockey player involved,” Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Michael Quinn said.
“Following a thorough police investigation and a comprehensive review of all the evidence by the CPS, we have concluded that there is not a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offense and so there will not be a prosecution. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson.”
After his arrest, Petgrave had been re-bailed several times while the investigation took place. His agent declined to comment Tuesday.
During the game, Johnson had skated with the puck into Sheffield’s defensive zone when Petgrave collided with another Panthers player nearby. Petgrave’s left skate elevated as he began to fall and the blade hit Johnson in the neck.
The native of Hibbing, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The death of the 29-year-old former Pittsburgh Penguins player sparked debate across the sport about improving safety for players.
Chicago Blackhawks saddened by Adam Johnson’s death from a skate cut: ‘You get a pit in your stomach’
Petgrave, a 33-year-old Canadian, had support from some of Johnson’s teammates. Victor Björkung had told a Swedish newspaper there “isn’t a chance that it’s deliberate.” Björkung had played the pass to Johnson and said he was traumatized by what he saw.
Johnson — one of the “import” players in the Elite Ice Hockey League — was in his first season at Nottingham after stints in Germany and a handful of games for the Penguins in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Johnson was living with fiancée Ryan Wolfe and studying at Loughborough Business School.
The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League, reacted to Johnson’s death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards from the start of 2024.
Fisk women’s gymnastics team to stop competing after 2026 | News
Members of Fisk University team, including coach Corrinne Tarver, in yellow, cheer during a Super 16 gymnastics meet on Jan. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. AP PHOTO/CHASE STEVENS, FILE NASHVILLE — Fisk University’s bold experiment in women’s gymnastics is coming to an end. The school has announced it is shuttering the program at the end […]
Members of Fisk University team, including coach Corrinne Tarver, in yellow, cheer during a Super 16 gymnastics meet on Jan. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas.
AP PHOTO/CHASE STEVENS, FILE
NASHVILLE — Fisk University’s bold experiment in women’s gymnastics is coming to an end.
The school has announced it is shuttering the program at the end of the 2026 season. Fisk made history in 2023 when it became the first historcally Black college or university to launch a women’s artistic gymnastics team.
Fisk’s ambitious move to start the program played a hand three years later in the athletic department choosing to discontinue it. Scheduling became challenging because gymnastics is the only sport at Fisk that does not compete against other HBCU schools, forcing the program to get creative and requiring the team to travel longer distances than the university’s other sports.
“While we are tremendously proud of the history our gymnastics team has made in just three years, we look forward to focusing on our conference-affiliated teams to strengthen our impact in the HBCU Athletic Conference,” athletic director Valencia Jordan said in a statement. “Fisk is grateful for the hard work, dedication and tenacity of its gymnasts, staff members, and coaches who made this program possible.”
The school said it will work with the affected athletes and coaches to ensure a “seamless transition.”
The announcement came just weeks after Fisk standout Morgan Price — a three-time All-American who became the first HBCU gymnast to record a perfect 10 — transferred to Arkansas, where she will join her older sister Frankie.
Talladega College, an HBCU in Alabama, attempted to follow in Fisk’s footsteps in 2024. That program shut down after one season due to financial concerns.
Students react to Commonwealth Campus Closures | Penn State, State College News
As Penn State prepares to close seven Commonwealth campuses in 2027, students say the decision will not only disrupt their education, but also dismantle the tight-knit communities they’ve come to call home. Dillon Yinger said Penn State York isn’t just a place to take classes, but a community. “The smaller class sizes, the supportive faculty […]
As Penn State prepares to close seven Commonwealth campuses in 2027, students say the decision will not only disrupt their education, but also dismantle the tight-knit communities they’ve come to call home.
Dillon Yinger said Penn State York isn’t just a place to take classes, but a community.
“The smaller class sizes, the supportive faculty and the familiar faces on campus really made it feel like home,” Yinger, a second-year studying business, said.
Penn State York has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to one, and the average class size is 15 students.
“For many of us, this campus has been a great opportunity to be close to our families and support systems,” Yinger said. “Losing it would mean more than just the loss of buildings — it would be the loss of a place that truly cares about its students and their success.”
Smaller campuses mean more individualized attention from faculty to students, and it also means seeing more familiar faces on a day to day basis.
Myah Fullard said this was true at Penn State New Kensington, which had 432 enrolled students in 2024.
“In going to Penn State New Kensington, I was able to form so many new bonds, from cheerleading to just people I see everyday,” Fullard, a second-year studying psychology, said. “That has sadly had to fall short due to the recent decision.”
Fullard said she feels an instant relief walking across New Kensington’s campus.
“The campus is honestly like a family in how everyone is close to one another and that we all know each other in some way,” Fullard said. “I’m sad about the decision to close the campus.”
Sierra Hildebrand said that hearing the decision to close Penn State Wilkes-Barre was “devastating.”
“I don’t think it’s fair to the professors, that they’ve poured their hearts and souls into helping students get the most out of their academic journey there, to just be out of a job now,” Hildebrand, a fourth-year studying accounting, said. “And it’s also not fair to current sophomores, because they’ll need to transfer someplace else for their senior year.”
Now having transferred to the Abington campus, Hildebrand said she feels lost in such a large campus.
“I’ve never felt more alone at this campus,” Hildebrand said. “Nobody talks to anyone. It’s just very different.”
Over in southwest Pennsylvania, Penn State Fayette is the only baccalaureate-granting institution in the county. Emma Eckert said Penn State Fayette is a vital part of the local community.
“The campus has offered not only access to quality higher education for rural students, but also a sense of identity, opportunity, and pride for the region,” Eckert, a fourth-year studying psychology, said. “Its closure signals a significant loss, not just for current students and faculty, but for the broader community that has long depended on it for educational, cultural and economic support.”
Eckert said the Penn State Fayette community is already grieving the closure.
“We just don’t understand how a thriving campus like ours, who does so many things within the community and raises so much money for THON — the most other than the main campus — for so many years in a row is being selected to be cut over other campuses who we never hear about,” Eckert said.
Tyler Hanson said the decision to close Penn State DuBois will affect upcoming generations of students.
“This is (going to) shut down a lot of students’ options for going to school,” Hanson, a second-year studying wildlife technology, said. “They’re just (going to) go into the work field instead, which is terrible, because education is what we need in this world and not money.”
Trevor Hansen, another second-year studying wildlife technology, said he feels angry over the university’s decision to close the campus.
“I think if Bendapudi really thought it was a great deal to do it, she should have come here, walked around and talked to all the students themselves and all the faculty,” Hansen said.
Beyond the classroom, students say the closures will disrupt key parts of campus life. At Mont Alto, sports have been a major draw for students and a source of connection.
Ashlyn Vandenbree said her younger teammates on the Mont Alto volleyball team will have to scramble to figure out how to finish their degree.
“In terms of team sports, many recruits that have committed are now changing their minds and committing elsewhere, as we can not guarantee them a full four years to play,” Vandenbree, a third-year studying project and supply chain management, said. “This impacts the success of every individual team at Mont Alto and the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference, which might go away since half of the campuses are gone.”
Seated in Mercer County, Penn State Shenango is the smallest Commonwealth campus in terms of enrollment. It was created to expand higher education options in the area.
After a “nightmare” first year of college in Miami, Will Perry, his brother and their two friends transferred to Penn State Shenango.
“We already have so much more support up here,” Perry, a third-year studying business, said. “It’s just sad we can’t get it from the people who make decisions.”
Perry, his brother and their friends spoke about their freshman year experience with their old coach, who knew the baseball coach in Shenango. They then spoke with the Shenango coach, liked what they heard, came up to visit and found a place to move in.
“I wanted a fresh start, as did everyone in my house, and that’s what we got at Shenango,” Perry said. “So it’ll definitely be a place I’ll never forget.”
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An environmental epidemiologist by training, Willis received her MPH in epidemiology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She then went on to receive her PhD in environmental and occupational health from Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences. Since October 2020, she has been a postdoctoral research scholar […]
An environmental epidemiologist by training, Willis received her MPH in epidemiology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She then went on to receive her PhD in environmental and occupational health from Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences. Since October 2020, she has been a postdoctoral research scholar at Oregon State University, as well as a visiting postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Epidemiology at SPH.
Much of Willis’s research centers on how complex environmental exposures affect local communities, as well as how epidemiology can inform effective policy decisions to improve public health. Her work uses big data and data integration techniques to derive spatial exposure metrics for environmental hazards, from both the energy sector, like oil and gas development and traffic-related air pollution, and the built environment, like green space and neighborhood deprivation. Her most recent work examines reproductive health outcomes and environmental pollutants, with the goal of informing health-protective policy decisions.
Willis shared more about her work, what brought her to the field of public health, and why she is excited to join the SPH community.
What brought you to the field of public health, and specifically, to the work that you do now?
I started off with a strong interest in environmental science and policy – I wanted to be involved in the process of determining how we could protect the ecosystems using regulations. However, I quickly realized that I was more concerned about filling the gaps on how different environmental pollutants affect population health, not just the ecosystems.
As I was sorting out what to do with this newfound interest, I was living in Rochester, NY as the intense debate was unfolding on whether fracking should be allowed in the state. It was clear that communities were desperate for clarity on what health concerns could be associated with the industry, but the scientific evidence simply did not exist at the time. I wanted to build skills that could be used to understand the effects of new industries like oil and gas development on local communities, and I’ve spent the majority of my career using epidemiologic methods to examine the influence of oil and gas development on population health.
Could you talk a bit more about the impact of oil and gas development on health as it relates to your work?
Oil and gas development is the industrial process by which fossil fuel resources are extracted from the ground, a subset of which is colloquially known as “fracking.” This resource extraction industry may affect communities along multiple dimensions of their daily lives. There is substantial economic promise from allowing this industry to enter a community, ranging from new job opportunities to increased tax revenue, and local demographics often change substantially due to this industrial boom. At the same time, communities are concerned that the oil and gas development may produces air pollution, water contamination, and excess noise or light at high levels. The complex confluence of these exposures has the potential to impact population health.
As an environmental epidemiologist, I’m interested in parsing apart these distinct exposure pathways into policy-relevant evidence that can be used to protect local communities. Most recently, I’ve conducted studies in the state of Texas to figure out the associations between residential proximity to oil and gas development and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
As you transition into your new role, what do you hope to get involved with in Boston and/or at SPH?
Boston is a metropolitan hub for my two favorite sports: rowing and ice hockey. I was a member of the crew team in high school and college – back in the day, I actually raced at the Head of the Charles, twice – and I usually played recreational ice hockey in the off seasons from rowing. I’m eager to get back involved in the vibrant communities related to these activities.
Why did you choose to come to SPH? What made the opportunity stand out to you?
I’ve met a lot of faculty from BUSPH over the years, and I’ve always been struck by the collective fearlessness that this school has in its work. This research community is incredibly willing to dive into difficult questions that are of the utmost importance to society, like tackling climate change or solving urban health equity. I am very excited to join this community, to build out new research directions and collaborations, especially those related to the health effects of our reliance on fossil fuels.
Looking forward, what are you most excited about with your new role?
I am excited to work with the student body at BUSPH. I love sitting down with students to hear about their research or career goals and help them think through the best strategies to get to where they want to be.
Meet the largest cohort of new faculty in school history
Sixteen new faculty members joined SPH in fall of 2022 across all six academic departments, bringing interdisciplinary expertise, diverse perspectives, and equity-oriented action to the school community.
SCSU’s Herb Brooks hockey center gets $12.8M from state for upgrades
ST. CLOUD — St. Cloud State’s Herb Brooks National Hockey Center got a big break this week. After more than six years of asking for state funding to get a new refrigeration system for the arena’s two ice rinks, the state Legislature passed an estimated $12.8 million in funding late Monday, June 9, for a […]
ST. CLOUD — St. Cloud State’s Herb Brooks National Hockey Center got a big break this week.
After more than six years of asking for state funding to get a new refrigeration system for the arena’s two ice rinks, the state Legislature passed an estimated $12.8 million in funding late Monday, June 9, for a replacement. The original and outdated R-22 system was originally installed when the building opened in 1989.
A look at the original R-22 refrigeration system inside St. Cloud State’s Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. The system was installed when the building opened in 1989.
Contributed / Dan Wolgamott
“We’ll take it,” SCSU Athletic Director Holly Schreiner told St. Cloud LIVE. “It’s been a long process to get here.”
The R-22 system that the Brooks Center uses has been getting phased out in the U.S. for the last 18 years because it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. The Herb Brooks National Hockey Center uses between 11,000-12,000 pounds of R-22 that helps cool the cement floors of two Olympic-sized sheets of ice through a direct refrigeration system.
State Sen. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, told St. Cloud LIVE how relieved he was to get the legislation passed.
“I’ve been a part of this for three years, and I’ve really been pushing this,” Wolgamott said on Tuesday, June 10. “We had reached a crisis point with the old system. The R-22 system currently in place uses chemicals that were banned in the Clean Air Act of 2007. It’s ridiculous that it’s taken this long. If that system had gone out, it would have affected three college hockey teams, but so many youth and high school players as well.
“The Herb is a local staple for hockey players and fans. I’m so grateful to say that a new system is coming.”
Refrigeration is a key for any ice rink.
Rink manager Cory Portner said in November 2023
that he was struggling to find pieces, parts and components needed to keep the old R-22 system functioning.
“(Our system) has been phased, no longer manufactures components that use our (system). So, we’re at the mercy of the market,” Portner said.
“Our refrigeration mechanics have been keeping this thing kind of going for well beyond its lifespan, in my opinion,” he continued. Portner said that 20 or 25 years is a good lifespan, and that “Thirty (years), you should be doing happy dances, so we’re rolling on 30-plus years.”
The university made a similar request with a price tag of $8.5 million in 2019, and the project would also include getting new boards, Plexiglas, lighting and improved humidity control. As a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, St. Cloud State makes its capital requests through the system to the Minnesota state Legislature.
The construction plan would include turning the Brooks Center’s practice rink into an NHL-sized rink, which is 200 feet long by 85 feet wide. Both ice sheets at the Brooks Center are currently Olympic-sized, which is 200-by-100. The project would also include making the main rink more of a hybrid, making it about 97 feet wide.
While the
St. Cloud State
men’s and women’s hockey teams are the top tenants for the Brooks Center, there are many regular users for the facility.
St. John’s University
, an NCAA Division III team, also practices and plays its home games there.
The St. Cloud Youth Hockey Association rents more than 600 hours of ice time at the Brooks Center annually. The arena also plays host to 10 camps during the offseason, which keeps the facility in use year-round.
Schreiner was admittedly surprised when she heard the news of the bill passing earlier this week.
Holly Schreiner
Contributed / St. Cloud State University
“I can’t tell you how excited I am about this,” Schreiner said. “We’ve worked for years to get it across the finish line. It’s just taken so long. I felt like we might get let down again. This is good for the university and the hockey community in St. Cloud. I’m grateful to Dan, (St. Cloud State director of university relations) Bernie Omann and every politician that worked on this together.”
Schreiner said work on the project won’t begin until next spring, at the earliest. Schreiner was already setting up meetings for this week to get the project moving, but a lot of paperwork needs to happen first.
“There are different aspects to any replacement, renovation or construction project in the state university system,” Schreiner said. “First, we have to see the official amount we’re getting and see what we can and can’t do within that budget. We have to start with the Request for Proposal process, and that takes time. We’ll do the research, select a bid and order the product.
A look at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of St. Cloud State University.
Andy Rennecke / St. Cloud LIVE
“The best-case scenario is that we could get it replaced after next hockey season. It might be delayed until April 2027 if things get slowed up. The fact that this is happening in mid-June instead of at the end of June is a big win for us. At least we’re starting the conversations about how to begin.”
Wolgamott credited “a good bipartisan negotiation” for getting the bill passed.
“St. Cloud State hockey is such an important part of our community for so many reasons,” Wolgamott said. “It’s part of who we are in St. Cloud. The National Hockey Center and that system has seen the wear and tear (since 1989). The NCHC had gone to the university asking them to do something about this. It’s not safe for so many reasons. This is our job as state legislators.”
Asked if he’s concerned about St. Cloud State’s infrastructure as a whole, Wolgamott acknowledged it’s reaching “a crisis point.” He’s making it one of his top priorities to help St. Cloud State get back on track financially, while also acknowledging that the state owns the buildings on campus and that many of them fall into disrepair.
“The health and well-being of SCSU directly affects the St. Cloud community. I feel like we have momentum to get St. Cloud State back on its feet,” Wolgamot said. “The MnSCU system is asking for $25 million in one-time money for demolition of old buildings, including at SCSU. We weren’t able to get that in the budget this year.
“To me, demolition is not a negative thing. It’s all about right-sizing these campuses. The college experience has changed. We don’t need these huge buildings and footprints in the 21st century. At SCSU, demolition means opening up green space and cutting down costs with the maintenance of these dorms and buildings. SCSU is at the top of the list for that in the near future.”
St. Cloud LIVE sports reporter Mick Hatten contributed to this report.
St. Cloud State men’s hockey players give a stick salute to fans after the annual Red/Black intrasquad scrimmage that was held on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.
Paul Skenes Electrifies College World Series with Pivotal Play
A New Era in the College World Series The College World Series has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the 2024 edition showcasing a fresh lineup of teams eager to make their mark on the storied tournament. Gone are the familiar faces from last year, replaced by a new wave of contenders ready to seize their […]
The College World Series has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the 2024 edition showcasing a fresh lineup of teams eager to make their mark on the storied tournament. Gone are the familiar faces from last year, replaced by a new wave of contenders ready to seize their moment on the grand stage in Omaha.
Paul Skenes: The Catalyst of Change
At the heart of this year’s excitement is Paul Skenes, whose remarkable performances have been pivotal in propelling his team to the forefront of the competition. Skenes has emerged as a beacon of hope and determination, embodying the relentless spirit that defines this year’s cohort of teams. His ability to deliver under pressure has not only inspired his teammates but has also captivated fans and critics alike, making him a central figure in this year’s narrative.
The Fresh Faces of Omaha
This year’s tournament is a testament to the unpredictable nature of college baseball, where new talent can quickly rise to prominence. The teams making their debut in Omaha bring with them a sense of urgency and hunger, driven by the desire to carve out their own legacy. Each squad carries unique stories of perseverance and ambition, adding layers of intrigue and excitement to the competition.
The Impact of New Blood
The infusion of new teams into the College World Series has revitalized the event, injecting it with fresh energy and unpredictability. This shift not only challenges the traditional powerhouses but also broadens the appeal of the tournament, drawing in a wider audience eager to witness the unfolding drama. The presence of these newcomers underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of college baseball, where opportunity and talent converge.
Looking Ahead: A Tournament of Possibilities
As the College World Series unfolds, the potential for unexpected outcomes and thrilling narratives is immense. The new teams have already demonstrated their capability to compete at the highest level, setting the stage for a tournament that promises to be as unpredictable as it is exciting. The journey of these fresh contenders will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the history of the series, offering a glimpse into the future of college baseball.
In conclusion, the 2024 College World Series is not just a tournament but a celebration of new beginnings and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As Paul Skenes and his fellow athletes take to the field, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their teams, ready to etch their names into the annals of baseball history.
St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy Celebrates a Successful 2024–2025 Season – Southern Maryland News Net
The St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy (SMGA) is proud to announce the conclusion of a remarkable 2024–2025 gymnastics season. Throughout the year, SMGA gymnasts showcased exceptional talent and dedication, achieving notable successes at various competitions. SMGA athletes had a strong season, with many gymnasts scoring 33+ and qualifying for States. Several standout performances included 1st All […]
The St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy (SMGA) is proud to announce the conclusion of a remarkable 2024–2025 gymnastics season.
Throughout the year, SMGA gymnasts showcased exceptional talent and dedication, achieving notable successes at various competitions. SMGA athletes had a strong season, with many gymnasts scoring 33+ and qualifying for States.
Several standout performances included 1st All Around wins by Penny Eason, Christa Middleton, Wendy Buchanan, Audrey Toth, Cecilia Lipp, Bridget Nguyen, Anna Hayashi, Kenley King, and Julia Botwin. Many others achieved impressive scores, solidifying their competitive success.
USAG State Meets: States were held at a variety of locations throughout Maryland. Most SMGA gymnasts achieved a score of 36 or higher. Sixth place all-around for Platinum went to Christa Middleton with a score of 36.275. Although Penny Eason did not place, she achieved her highest score of the season at States with an all-around score of 38.250.
USAG Regionals: Gymnasts in the Gold level and one Platinum gymnast competed May 15-18, 2025, at State College, Pa. Each gymnast that went to Regionals scored 36 or above. Kenley King achieved an all-around score of 36.425 which tied for 7th place. Kenley tied for 2nd place on floor with a score of 9.500.
The highest all-around score was Reagan Wagner with an all-around score of 37.050. Reagan also tied for 2nd place for Gold on floor with a score of 9.750.
Each routine, every flip, and every tumble showcased the gymnasts’ passion and commitment to the sport, as well as the dedication, expertise, and encouragement of their coaches. Equally, the families of SMGA gymnasts are commended for their unwavering support. We celebrate SMGA’s achievements and look forward to next season.
For more information on SMGA or the recreational gymnastics program, please visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/gymnastics.
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Meet the largest cohort of new faculty in school history
The St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy (SMGA) is proud to announce the conclusion of a remarkable 2024–2025 gymnastics season.
| PTI
