Matthew Mayich collapses in controversial workout: Arizona State hockey issues statement

Show summary Hide summary Arizona State University's men's hockey program released a brief message of support for sophomore defenseman Matthew Mayich after the player collapsed during an outdoor conditioning session. The social media post arrived as the case has drawn scrutiny, prompted a police inquiry, and raised questions about the team's training practices. What the team posted and where Mayich stands now The hockey program shared a short note on social platforms on September 5, saying the squad and community were keeping Mayich and his family in their thoughts. The 21-year-old remains hospitalized following the August 20 incident. Mayich, a sophomore defenseman, suffered heat-related illness during the workout. According to his family's attorney, Robert Carey, doctors have told the family there is no chance of recovery. Allegations from the family and legal team Carey has publicly described the workout as a near hour-long, military-style session led by a former Green Beret. He told reporters he is confident athletes were not given water during the exercise. The August 20 workout was described by Mayich's family as a military-style conditioning session. Claims that Mayich collapsed and remained on the ground for several minutes before staff attended to him. Allegations that cooling measures, such as rushing him to a cooling station or placing him in an ice bath, were not implemented promptly. The family says the exercise lacked appropriate planning for heat-illness scenarios. Lawyer's perspective on accountability Carey urged a full, transparent investigation and recommended that those supervising the workout be temporarily removed from duty during inquiries. He said separating witnesses from supervisors helps create a safe space for honest testimony. Carey also said current players fear retaliation. He quoted athletes who worry about losing scholarships or playing time if they speak against coaches. Police probe and team interviews Local authorities opened a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mayich's collapse. Multiple team members have been interviewed as part of that inquiry. Local authorities have launched a formal probe into the circumstances of Mayich's collapse. Investigators are expected to determine whether proper medical protocols were followed during and after the workout. The pace of the probe and any potential disciplinary steps remain under review. Arizona State's official response on training and safety A spokesperson for Arizona State told reporters the session was a team event with coaches, athletic trainers, and a third-party instructor who had worked with ASU Hockey previously. The university emphasized that Sun Devil Athletics follows heat-illness guidelines informed by the National Athletic Trainers' Association. The statement noted that student-athletes at ASU regularly practice outdoors under coach and trainer supervision. The school did not offer further detail about immediate actions taken on the day of the workout. Timeline of key dates and events August 20: Mayich collapses during an outdoor team workout. Late August–early September: Family raises concerns about on-site response and medical care. September 3: The family's attorney speaks publicly about witness concerns and calls for transparency. September 5: The hockey program posts a message of support on social media. Following those statements: Police open an investigation and question multiple players. Background on Matthew Mayich and his hockey career Mayich transferred to Arizona State after one season at Clarkson University. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues. Teammates and family members have since been involved in the unfolding legal and medical discussions, while the university affirms adherence to national athletic training standards.