Attorney: ASU Player, Blues Pick Suffered Exertional Heat Stroke
His lawyer told ESPN that Matthew Mayich has been in hospital since he collapsed during an outdoor Arizona State workout on Aug. 20.
Matthew Mayich had exertional heat stroke that restricted the oxygen reaching his brain, his attorney said in an interview with ESPN on Wednesday. The Arizona State defenceman, a St. Louis Blues draft pick, collapsed in an offseason workout.
"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 sent to the university's track and field facility at about 8:30 a.m. for a heat-related call.
Asked for comment Wednesday, ASU referred to its Tuesday statement, which said a review of the workout, and of the school's procedures and protocols, is being led by senior vice president James Rund. According to that statement, coaches and training staff attended the outdoor morning session, as did a third party who had worked with the ASU hockey team before.
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.
