Matthew Mayich, an NHL prospect from Hamilton, is in dire need of a “miracle” after being admitted to the hospital due to a training incident at Arizona State University last month, according to statements from his family’s attorney.
Rob Carey, the attorney representing Mayich’s family, spoke with CBC Hamilton on Friday and mentioned that the 21-year-old’s parents, residing in the Stoney Creek neighborhood of Hamilton, are staying close to the hospital to support their son daily.
“The support, love, and prayers from their friends in Canada have been greatly appreciated,” added Carey, a partner at the U.S. law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP.
According to Carey, Mayich, who was drafted by the St. Louis Blues, collapsed after a morning training session at ASU. He indicated that Mayich experienced exertional heatstroke, leading to a deficiency of oxygen reaching the brain.
An article published in the journal BMJ Medicine identifies exertional heatstroke as “the third leading cause of death among athletes during physical activities,” noting that approximately 27 percent of cases result in fatalities, with survivors facing long-term health issues.
University states senior vice-president is investigating
ASU has confirmed that a student from the hockey team collapsed during a training session on August 20 but has not disclosed the student’s identity due to privacy concerns.
The university noted in a statement dated September 3 that the morning workout was a team event supervised by coaches and training staff, along with a third-party individual who had previously collaborated with the ASU Hockey team.
James Rund, vice-president of ASU, is heading a review to examine “the workout and relevant university policies, procedures, and training protocols,” as stated by the institution.
The review will be carried out with respect to “the student-athlete, his family, his teammates, and ASU’s privacy obligations,” according to the university.
A St. Louis Blues player wearing the team’s logo in 2025. Mayich was selected by the team in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. (David Zalubowski/The Associated Press)
Lawyer describes Mayich’s workout as ‘harsh’
Carey stated that the university has been “tight-lipped” regarding the incident, but through his own inquiries, he suspects that Mayich underwent a “military-style, brutal, grueling workout,” lacking breaks and water for over an hour.
“An elite NHL-drafted athlete participated in the first coach-led workout on the very first day that the team could officially organize, and he left the field without any chance for recovery,” Carey remarked. “Clearly, something is amiss.”
The lawyer noted that when Mayich collapsed, there was no immediate attempt to immerse him in cool water, which is standard for heat stroke treatment.
On August 20, at around 7:51 a.m., the temperature in Tempe, located just east of Phoenix, was approximately 31 degrees Celsius, according to Weather Underground. ASU confirmed that the university police received a call about the hockey player’s collapse at around 8:30 a.m.
CBC reached out to ASU for a response to Carey’s claims and to inquire about the status of their internal investigation.
A university spokesperson stated there was no additional information beyond the statement released on September 3.
The university has established guidelines for preventing heat illness, as well as protocols governing how third parties engage with ASU athletes, the statement indicated.
Issues surrounding the workout are included in ASU’s ongoing review, it added.
Family seeks answers
Carey expressed, “The current priority is to gather evidence about what transpired. We are uncertain about the rationale behind [the workout] being organized, who orchestrated it, what the intended plan was for the day, what safety measures were implemented, and who decided not to have safety precautions in place.”
The family desires a thorough and impartial investigation that includes witness interviews, security footage, and digital communications, according to Carey.
He added, “If this isn’t happening, we either require a proper police investigation or we will pursue it through a civil lawsuit when feasible.”
On Tuesday, a representative from the ASU Police Department informed CBC Hamilton that the department is investigating, as it is “standard procedure” following an incident of this nature. They clarified that the investigation does not suggest any criminal activity.
Mayich’s impact on younger players in Hamilton
Mayich played minor hockey with the Hamilton Huskies from 2016 to 2020 and later joined the Ottawa 67’s before being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL draft.
During his six years with the Huskies and one year with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs, Mayich became known as “a remarkable hockey player and, equally importantly, an exceptional individual both on and off the ice,” stated the Hamilton Steel Hockey Club, formerly known as the Huskies.
This message was shared with CBC Hamilton on behalf of the organization, former Huskies president Mike Spadafora, and former head coach Chris Travale. Spadafora is currently a councillor for Hamilton’s Ward 14 and is running for re-election.
“He consistently returns every year to mentor and skate with new groups of young players,” Travale remarked. “His lessons extend beyond hockey — they encompass relationships, friendships, and the experiences gained throughout the journey in hockey.”
“From all of us at Hamilton Steel Hockey Club, the Hamilton Huskies family, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs, and the broader Hamilton hockey community — Matthew is in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts are with him and the entire Mayich family.”