January 1, Young Hockey Star Fights for Life After Workout Collapse

Wyatt’s Take

• Arizona State hockey player Matthew Mayich, a St. Louis Blues draft pick, remains hospitalized after collapsing during outdoor training last week in scorching Arizona heat.
• University officials are tight-lipped about what went wrong during the Thursday morning workout, citing ‘privacy interests’ while they ‘review circumstances.’
• The 21-year-old’s situation has the entire hockey world holding its breath—from his former Ontario Hockey League teammates to the Blues organization praying for his recovery.

A promising young hockey talent is fighting for his life in an Arizona hospital after a routine training session turned into a medical emergency last week. Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old defenseman drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, collapsed during an outdoor workout with his Arizona State Sun Devils teammates.

The incident occurred last Thursday morning during what was supposed to be a standard off-ice conditioning session. Arizona State officials confirmed a student-athlete collapsed and was immediately hospitalized, though they initially refused to identify him publicly.

“A student-athlete who collapsed during an outdoor exercise Thursday morning remains hospitalized,” vice president of ASU media relations Chris Fiscus said in a carefully worded statement.

“The student-athlete, a member of the ASU hockey team, is not being named by the university because of privacy interests. The university is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workout.”

Sources later confirmed the hospitalized player is Matthew Mayich, the Blues’ 170th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native was preparing for his first season with Arizona State after transferring from Clarkson University.

On Wednesday, St. Louis Blues president of hockey operations Doug Armstrong broke his silence on the situation affecting one of the organization’s prospects.

“The entire Blues organization is keeping Matthew Mayich close to our hearts as we pray for his comfort and recovery while he continues to undergo medical treatment in Arizona,” Armstrong’s statement reads.

“His agent has kept us informed about Matthew’s medical status over the last week and we extend our deepest support to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

Mayich spent four productive seasons with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League before making the jump to NCAA hockey. He played one season with Clarkson University’s Golden Knights before deciding to transfer to Arizona State for what was supposed to be a fresh start in college hockey.

The Ontario Hockey League, where Mayich built his reputation as a tough, reliable defenseman, also released a statement showing the hockey community’s support.

“Our thoughts are with Matthew, his parents John and Christina and the entire Mayich family,” league commissioner Bryan Crawford said.

“Matthew spent four seasons in our league and earned the respect of everyone he played with and against. The entire Ontario Hockey League is thinking of him and pulling for him, and we are keeping his family close in our thoughts.”

Arizona State officials say they’re reviewing what happened during the Thursday morning workout, but have provided few details about the circumstances that led to Mayich’s collapse. The university continues to cite privacy concerns while the investigation is ongoing.

Wyatt Matters

This hits home for every parent who’s ever watched their kid chase a dream. These young athletes pour everything into their sport—blood, sweat, conditioning, sacrifice. We trust universities and professional organizations to keep them safe while they’re training to be the best. Matthew Mayich’s family sent their son to Arizona to play hockey and chase his NHL dream. Now they’re camped out in a hospital room praying he pulls through. Every parent of an athlete knows that fear. Our prayers are with the Mayich family tonight.