NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 29: Matthew Mayich celebrates after being selected 170th overall pick by the St. Louis Blues during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) Getty
The case of Matthew Mayich, a promising defenseman for the St. Louis Blues, has taken a serious turn as the Arizona State University police department has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his recent collapse. This incident occurred during a preseason workout on August 20, raising significant concerns about player safety and the conditions under which athletes train.
Mayich, 21, who transferred to Arizona State from Clarkson University, was participating in a workout led by a non-university employee when he collapsed. This session, which is the first allowed by NCAA rules for ice hockey, reportedly included intense physical activities such as sprints and push-ups. According to reports, the temperature at the time was around 87 degrees, which could have contributed to the incident.
Following the collapse, Mayich was taken to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he remains hospitalized. His family’s lawyer, Rob Carey, has stated that the young athlete may never recover from this incident, describing it as an exertional heat stroke. The situation has prompted not only a police investigation but also a review by the university to determine the events leading up to the collapse.
As the investigation unfolds, questions arise regarding the safety protocols in place for student-athletes. The Korey Stringer Institute, which studies exertional heat stroke, outlines various risk factors, including inadequate acclimatization to heat, lack of sleep, and intense exercise without sufficient breaks. Carey has criticized the nature of the workout, labeling it as grueling and dangerous, and has accused Arizona State of misrepresenting the conditions of the training session.
Matthew Mayich's journey in hockey has been notable, especially after being drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2023. His time at Clarkson University, where he played before transferring, showcased his potential as a rising star in the sport. However, the current situation casts a shadow over his future in hockey, as he faces a long road to recovery.
The Arizona State University administration, led by executive vice president James Rund, is actively reviewing the incident. Rund has a background in educational outreach and student services, which may play a role in assessing the university's responsibility in ensuring the safety of its athletes.
As the investigation continues, the hockey community and fans of the St. Louis Blues are left hoping for Mayich’s recovery while also calling for a thorough examination of training practices to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for how college sports organizations manage athlete safety during training.
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