St. Louis Blues prospect and Arizona State sophomore Matthew Mayich is undergoing medical treatment following a collapse during an outdoor team-sanctioned workout on August 21, according to statements from the St. Louis Blues and local reports. The 21-year-old defenseman, who transferred to Arizona State from Clarkson University, is currently hospitalized at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, per The Arizona Republic.
Legal Representation and Family Statements
Attorney Rob Carey, representing the Mayich family, stated in an interview with College Hockey News that Matthew Mayich has “zero chance” of recovery. Carey criticized Arizona State University’s handling of the situation and announced plans to launch an independent investigation into the incident. The family’s legal counsel characterized the workout as grueling and onerous, while simultaneously accusing the university of pushing a false narrative regarding the training session, according to reports.
Details of the Arizona State Workout
The workout occurred on August 21 at 8:31 a.m. at Arizona State’s athletic facilities, coinciding with the first day of the fall semester, per reports from The Athletic. Crews with the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue responded to the scene while local temperatures reached at least 87 degrees. According to reporting by The Athletic’s Katie Strang and Jeremy Rutherford, sources described the hour-long session as cadence-driven, military-style calisthenics consisting of sprints, planks, push-ups, and bear crawls. The workout was conducted by Tim Ziesel, a non-university employee.
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University and Team Responses
Arizona State University launched an internal review to examine the circumstances surrounding the workout. Chris Fiscus, the university’s vice president of media relations, confirmed to The Athletic that a student-athlete remained hospitalized as of late August, though Fiscus declined to answer whether the team officially sanctioned the workout. St. Louis Blues president of hockey operations Doug Armstrong released a statement on August 27 sharing prayers for Mayich’s comfort and recovery, noting that the player’s agent had kept the NHL organization informed of his medical status.
Did you know? Matthew Mayich was selected 170th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft—after spending four seasons with the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s. He recorded 15 points in 34 games during his freshman season at Clarkson University before transferring to Arizona State.
Hockey Community Reactions
The wider hockey world rallied around the Mayich family as news of the hospitalization spread. OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford issued a statement highlighting Mayich’s four seasons in the league and expressing support from across the organization. Victoria Beara, a cousin of Mayich and wife of Buffalo Sabres player Owen Power, spoke during a virtual prayer service held in Mayich’s honor, as reported by The Arizona Republic’s Rey Covarrubias Jr. and Robert Anglen. Leagues including the USHL and OHL released public statements offering thoughts and prayers for Matthew, his parents John and Christina, and the entire Mayich family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Matthew Mayich collapse?
Matthew Mayich collapsed on August 21 at approximately 8:31 a.m. during an outdoor workout at Arizona State University.
Where is Matthew Mayich receiving medical care?
According to The Arizona Republic, Mayich is hospitalized at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.
What did the St. Louis Blues say about the incident?
St. Louis Blues president of hockey operations Doug Armstrong released a statement expressing support for Mayich and his family while noting that the organization has stayed in contact with the player’s agent regarding his medical status.
Is Arizona State investigating the workout?
Yes, Arizona State University launched an internal review into the circumstances surrounding the training session, though university officials declined to clarify if the workout was officially team-sanctioned.
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