Arizona State University defenseman Matthew Mayich was hospitalized after collapsing during an outdoor team workout in Tempe, Arizona, on Thursday, August 20.
Mayich, 21, is a sophomore for the Sun Devils and was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. A family member confirmed to The Athletic that he remained hospitalized as of Tuesday, August 25.
“A student-athlete who collapsed during an outdoor exercise Thursday morning remains hospitalized,” vice president of ASU media relations Chris Fiscus said in a statement to The Athletic. “The student-athlete, a member of the ASU hockey team, is not being named by the university because of privacy interests. The university is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workout.”
Fiscus declined to say whether Mayich collapsed at a team-sanctioned workout. Arizona State began classes last Thursday, making it the first day the NCAA permits ice hockey teams to begin formal activities.
No further information on his condition was made available, but The Athletic reported that Tempe Fire Medical Rescue had been called to Sun Angel Stadium on the ASU campus on Thursday morning for a “heat-related illness.” An unnamed patient was treated there and transported to the hospital.
Temperatures in Tempe reached as high as 106 on Thursday with the average temperature hovering just below 93 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Before coming to ASU, Mayich spent one season at Clarkson University where he appeared in 34 games as a freshman. He also played four years in the Ontario Hockey League, during which time the Blues drafted but did not sign him to a professional contract.
“The entire Blues organization is keeping Matthew Mayich close to our hearts as we pray for his comfort and recovery while he continues to undergo medical treatment in Arizona,” Blues president of hockey operations Doug Armstrong said in a statement on Wednesday, August 26. “His agent has kept us informed about Matthew’s medical status over the last week and we extend our deepest support to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Mayich’s family held a virtual prayer session for him on Tuesday, with the Arizona Republic reporting that his cousin Victoria Beara thanked the community for their support.
“Even though we are going through this heartbreak, it is truly such a blessing to see everyone praying and just the impact Matthew has had on so many people,” she said. “It’s in God’s hand. Please don’t stop praying and don’t give up.”
The Sun Devils will open their season on October 2 at Lindenwood University.
