Arizona State Launches Review After Hockey Prospect Collapses

Arizona State University initiated an investigation after hockey player Matthew Mayich, a St. Louis Blues draft pick, collapsed during an outdoor training session on Thursday morning and was hospitalized.

Emergency responders from Tempe Fire Medical Rescue were dispatched to Sun Angel Stadium at 8:31 a.m. following reports of a heat-related illness, subsequently transporting the athlete to a local medical center as temperatures in the region climbed toward a daily high of 106 degrees.

School officials confirmed the ongoing internal review regarding the circumstances of the team exercise, which occurred on the first day of the university's fall semester.

"A student-athlete who collapsed during an outdoor exercise Thursday morning remains hospitalized," Chris Fiscus, vice president of ASU media relations, said. "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."

University representatives declined to clarify whether the outdoor session had received official athletic department authorization prior to the incident.

The professional franchise that holds his draft rights expressed support for the defenseman as he continues receiving medical treatment in Arizona.

"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," Doug Armstrong, Blues president of hockey operations, said. "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, selected 170th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, recently transferred to Arizona State for his sophomore season following stints with the Ottawa 67s and Clarkson University.