Attorney: ASU Player, Blues Pick Suffered Exertional Heat Stroke

Matthew Mayich, the Arizona State defenseman and St. Louis Blues draft pick who collapsed during an offseason workout, suffered exertional heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain, his attorney told ESPN on Wednesday.

"This injury is from exertional heat stroke that caused a lack of oxygen to the brain," attorney Rob Carey said. "There were no other contributing conditions, only exertion-related heat. This is not an induced coma. We need a miracle."

Mayich has been hospitalized since Aug. 20, the first day the NCAA permitted hockey teams to hold formal activities. Carey said Mayich had arrived on campus only that week.

"He didn't last one day. It was the first day of coach-led practice," Carey said.

According to Carey, Mayich grew disoriented and dizzy before collapsing near the end of a workout that ran more than an hour with "minimal water." Tempe Fire Medical Rescue was dispatched to the school's track and field facility at roughly 8:30 a.m. for a heat-related incident.

ASU, contacted Wednesday, pointed to a statement issued Tuesday saying senior vice president James Rund is leading a review of the workout and of university procedures and protocols. The statement said coaches and training staff were present at the morning outdoor session, along with a third party who had previously worked with the ASU hockey team.

Athletic director Graham Rossini said in a radio interview last week: "This is not an investigation where someone is suggesting something went wrong. We're just reviewing the facts and understanding the scenario."

Carey said Mayich's parents want an independent investigation and the coaching staff suspended "so the kids have the safe space to tell the truth" without fear of retaliation.

The Blues drafted Mayich in the sixth round in 2023. He never signed an entry-level contract. A native of Stoney Creek, Ontario, he played four seasons with the OHL's Ottawa 67's before spending last season at Clarkson.