Story Summary
Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old defenceman who transferred to Arizona State for this season and was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, remains hospitalised and incapacitated after collapsing during an on-campus outdoor workout on August 20. Rob Carey, an attorney representing Mayich’s family, said the player’s condition is highly unlikely to change and described the workout as “onerous” and “grueling”, alleging that signs of trouble appeared before the collapse. Arizona State has said it will conduct a thorough review. Athletic director Graham Rossini said the university was reviewing the facts and understanding the scenario, while Carey has called for an independent investigation and administrative leave for those involved.
Key Facts
- Matthew Mayich is a 21-year-old defenceman who transferred to Arizona State for the upcoming season.
- Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout on campus on August 20, the first day of the fall 2026 semester, when the NCAA first permits formal hockey activities.
- He remains incapacitated in hospital nearly two weeks after the collapse, and attorney Rob Carey said Mayich’s condition is ” highly unlikely to change.”
- Rob Carey is representing Mayich’s family and said the family is at his side and grateful for support from the hockey community and teammates.
- Carey described the August 20 outdoor workout as ” onerous” and ” grueling,” saying it lasted well over an hour with no rest and only one water break for some athletes.
- Carey said there were signs of trouble well before Mayich collapsed and criticised the presence of coaches and trainers who, he said, ” stood there and watched exactly what they dialed up.”
- Arizona State has said it will conduct a thorough review of the incident.
- ASU athletic director Graham Rossini said the university is ” reviewing the facts and understanding the scenario” and characterised the process as a review rather than an investigation.
- Carey has called for an independent investigation, for those involved to be placed on administrative leave, and for disclosure of who authorised and planned the workout.
- Mayich was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft but never signed an entry-level contract.
- The defenceman played four seasons with the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s and spent last season at Clarkson University before transferring to Arizona State.
- Mayich is a native of Stoney Creek, Ontario.
IHM Discussion
The case centres on two connected but distinct issues: Mayich’s condition and the circumstances of the workout that preceded his collapse. The source establishes that he remains incapacitated in hospital, while Rob Carey, the attorney representing his family, said Mayich’s condition is highly unlikely to change. Carey described an outdoor workout on a hot desert day that lasted well over an hour, with no rest and one water break for some athletes. He argued that the session was unsuitable for players who had not been in the Valley for a full week. Arizona State has said it will conduct a thorough review, while athletic director Graham Rossini said the university was reviewing the facts and understanding the scenario. Carey is seeking an independent investigation and administrative leave for those involved, but the university has not announced either step. The medical cause of the collapse, the workout’s authorisation and any disciplinary outcome have not been established.
Why It Matters
The case brings player welfare into focus as teams resume organised activities. It raises questions about the planning and supervision of outdoor conditioning sessions in extreme heat, particularly when players are newly arriving in the area. Arizona State’s review may clarify the circumstances of the workout and any changes to its procedures. For the wider hockey community, the incident underlines the importance of appropriate safeguards during pre-season training.
Fan Pulse
Carey said Mayich’s family is grateful for the support it has received from his teammates and the hockey community.
Mini Q&A
Who is Matthew Mayich?
Matthew Mayich is a 21-year-old defenceman from Stoney Creek, Ontario, who played four seasons with the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s, spent last season at Clarkson University and transferred to Arizona State for the upcoming season. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft but never signed an entry-level contract.
When and where did the collapse occur?
Mayich collapsed during an outdoor on-campus workout at Arizona State on August 20, the first day of the fall 2026 semester, when the NCAA first permits formal hockey activities.
What is Mayich’s current condition?
According to attorney Rob Carey, Mayich remains incapacitated in hospital nearly two weeks after the collapse, and Carey said his condition is ” highly unlikely to change.”
What does the family’s lawyer say about the workout?
Rob Carey described the outdoor workout as ” onerous” and ” grueling,” saying it lasted well over an hour with no rest and only one water break for some athletes, and that there were signs of trouble before Mayich collapsed.
What has Arizona State said?
Arizona State has said it will conduct a thorough review. Athletic director Graham Rossini characterised the university’s action as a review to ” understand the scenario.”
What actions is the family seeking?
Carey has called for an independent investigation, for those involved to be placed on administrative leave, for confirmation of who authorised the workout, and for disclosure of the planned details of the session.
Coach Mark Comment
The reported concerns point to the need for careful planning and close monitoring when teams train outdoors in extreme heat, especially early in a season. Conditioning work must be adjusted to the environment and to the players available on the day.
What Comes Next
Arizona State has said it will conduct a thorough review of the August 20 workout; that review is the primary upcoming checkpoint mentioned. Attorney Rob Carey said the family’s own investigation is ongoing and that the family will discuss options only after the family’s investigation is complete.
IHM Final View
Mayich remains incapacitated, and his family is seeking answers about the workout that preceded his collapse. Arizona State has promised a thorough review, while Carey is calling for an independent investigation. Until those processes establish further facts, the circumstances of the incident and any responsibility remain unresolved.