Arizona State hockey player in coma after August workout, family lawyer says no chance of recovery
Family attorney says Arizona State forward Matthew Mayich suffered a collapse during an on-campus workout and is now in a coma with no prospect of recovery, while the university says it will review the incident.
Arizona State University announced it will conduct a review of the circumstances surrounding the collapse of junior forward Matthew Mayich during an on-campus workout on Aug. 20. Mayich, a 21-year-old Canadian who was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, fell into a coma after the session and, according to his family’s lawyer, has no chance of recovery.
Robert Carey, representing the Mayich family, told the Arizona Republic that the athlete appeared disoriented and struggled before collapsing. He said the outdoor workout took place in high temperatures and lasted more than an hour without a water break, describing it as “onerous” and “grueling.”
"ASU’s only statement so far was to note that coaches and trainers were present to support their claim that this workout was nothing unusual," Carey said, adding that he expects an independent investigation.
Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini said the university’s review is not an investigation implying wrongdoing, but a factual assessment of the event. The school has not yet released further details.
Mayich, who previously played for the Ottawa 67’s and Clarkson University before transferring to Arizona State for the 2026-27 season, was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft but has not signed a professional contract. His family remains at his bedside and has expressed gratitude for support from the hockey community.