TEMPE, Ariz. — Matthew Mayich, a defenseman for the Arizona State hockey team and a draft pick for the St. Louis Blues, is still hospitalized nearly two weeks after collapsing during an offseason workout. His family’s attorney, Rob Carey, is actively seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The 21-year-old Mayich collapsed on August 20 during an outdoor workout on the Arizona State campus, coinciding with the first day of the fall semester for 2026, when NCAA regulations permit hockey teams to begin formal activities. According to Carey, Mayich's condition is not expected to improve significantly.
Carey expressed concern about the workout conditions, describing them as “onerous” and “grueling,” especially given the extreme heat of the Arizona desert. He noted that the workout lasted over an hour, with only one water break provided to the athletes, which he believes was inadequate for a first outdoor practice, particularly for players who had not acclimated to the climate.
“There were signs of trouble well before Mayich collapsed,” Carey stated, emphasizing that the workout's structure did not prioritize the athletes' well-being. He criticized Arizona State's response, highlighting that the only statement from the university indicated that coaches and trainers were present, which he argues does not absolve them of responsibility for the workout's intensity.
Arizona State has committed to conducting a thorough review of the incident. Athletic director Graham Rossini clarified in a recent radio interview that this review is not an investigation implying wrongdoing but rather an effort to understand the facts surrounding the event.
Carey has called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of the workout and has urged the university to place those involved on administrative leave. He is also seeking clarity on who authorized the workout and what specific plans were in place for it.
“Our focus right now is on our own investigation into what happened on August 20th,” Carey said. “Only when that is complete will we discuss the options available to the family. The family’s focus is on doing everything that can be done for their son and holding each other together.”
Matthew Mayich was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues but had not signed an entry-level contract. Prior to joining Arizona State, he played four seasons with the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League and spent the previous season at Clarkson University. His transfer to Arizona State was intended to mark a new chapter in his hockey career.
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