Full Breakdown
Arizona State Hockey Player Collapses During Outdoor Workout Amid Missing Training Plan
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
During a morning conditioning session at Sun Angel Stadium, 21-year-old forward Matthew Mayich collapsed while carrying a 10-pound medicine ball. Trainers initially responded with ice towels and water, but his condition rapidly deteriorated, prompting a 911 call. Mayich was hospitalized with exertional heat stroke that reduced oxygen flow to his brain and is now considered unlikely to recover.
Training Protocol Gaps
The university’s preliminary report indicates that the hockey coaching staff did not submit a plan of training activities for review by ASU’s strength and conditioning coaches prior to the three-day team-building event. The staff had requested permission for a former Green Beret to speak with the team, but no formal workout plan was filed. All participants, including Mayich, were medically cleared before the session, which began at 7 a.m. with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s °F and humidity in the mid-40s to low-50s %.
Official University Response
Arizona State’s senior vice president of educational outreach and student services, James Rund, emphasized that the review focuses on the workout circumstances and existing policies, while respecting the family’s privacy. The university will convene a multidisciplinary panel of experts to recommend best practices for outdoor athletic activities.
Data & Statistics
- Athlete: Matthew Mayich, 21, former Ottawa 67’s player, 2023 NHL sixth-round draftee.
- Weather: 86-89 °F temperature, 46-51 % humidity.
- Exercise: Calisthenic circuits, body-weight work, water break after ~20 minutes, followed by a wind-down run with a medicine ball.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As limited medical information is available to us, and we remain committed to respecting the privacy of Matthew and his family, our review has focused on the circumstances surrounding the workout and related university policies, procedures and training protocols.” — Arizona State
- “A month later, nobody’s been named, nobody’s been suspended, nobody’s been fired for violating the very policies ASU published today, and the university wants to appoint a committee,” — Rob Carey, what family attorney
- “What the report doesn’t say is what the players will tell you: this was a punishment workout,” — Rob Carey, what family attorney