Matthew Mayich, a promising NHL prospect from Hamilton, is facing a critical situation after a training incident at Arizona State University last month, as revealed by his family’s legal representative. Attorney Rob Carey, speaking on behalf of Mayich’s family, shared that the 21-year-old, originally from Stoney Creek in Hamilton, is currently hospitalized, with his parents staying close by to support him.
Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from their Canadian well-wishers, Carey, a partner at Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, highlighted the challenging circumstances Mayich is confronting.
The incident occurred during a workout session at Arizona State University, where Mayich, a draft pick for the St. Louis Blues, collapsed due to exertional heatstroke, resulting in oxygen deprivation to the brain, as per Carey’s statements.
According to a report published in BMJ Medicine, exertional heatstroke ranks as the third leading cause of mortality in athletes during physical exertion, with significant mortality rates and potential long-term health implications for survivors.
University Initiates Review of Incident
Arizona State University confirmed the collapse of a student athlete during a training session on August 20, without disclosing the individual’s identity, citing privacy concerns.
A comprehensive review, led by ASU’s senior vice-president James Rund, is underway to examine the workout session, university policies, and training protocols associated with the incident.
ASU has reiterated its commitment to conducting the review in a manner that respects the privacy and well-being of the student-athlete, their family, and teammates.
A St. Louis Blues player wears the team logo on his sweater in 2025. The team picked Mayich in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. (David Zalubowski/The Associated Press)
Concerns Raised Regarding Mayich’s Workout
Carey expressed concerns about the nature of the workout that Mayich underwent, describing it as intense and lacking in breaks or adequate hydration, potentially contributing to the athlete’s collapse.
Highlighting the failure to promptly administer proper treatment for heatstroke, Carey emphasized the need for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mayich’s health crisis.
The weather conditions on the day of the incident were reported to be hot, with university police responding to the emergency call following Mayich’s collapse.
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