ASU hockey player remains critical after collapse during off-ice workout

Arizona State University hockey player Matthew Mayich, a 6-foot-3 NHL draft pick, has been hospitalized in critical condition nearly two weeks after collapsing during an outdoor, military-style dry-land workout on Aug. 20. Family attorney Leonard Aragon said the session lasted more than an hour with "minimal to no water breaks" and was led by a Green Beret hired by the coaching staff. He added that Mayich, who had been on campus for less than a week, has "zero chance of a full recovery."

"I'm not a doctor but that's probably right. Definitely not a full recovery," Aragon said.

ASU confirmed the workout was a team event attended by coaches, training staff and a third-party trainer who had previously worked with the hockey program. The university said it follows institutional guidelines and heat-illness protocols based on the National Athletic Trainers' Association, and that senior vice president James Rund is leading a review of the incident.

"The review will take the time needed to collect and assess information in a manner that is thoughtful, respectful of the student-athlete, his family, his teammates and ASU's privacy obligations," an ASU spokesperson said.

Aragon criticized the university's handling of information and called for an independent investigation conducted by an external party. He also suggested that some teammates may be reluctant to speak out.

"I want an independent investigation, not an investigation run by a former employee or employee of ASU, a real true investigation that run by a third party that's paid for their time and efforts no matter what the outcome of the investigation is and give us a real report on what they think happened," he said.

The attorney for the Green Beret trainer emphasized the need for a transparent inquiry focused on supporting Mayich and his family. Mayich, who transferred from Clarkson University and previously played for the Ottawa 67's, was not acclimated to Arizona's heat, according to Aragon. The St. Louis Blues, who drafted him in 2023, and the Ottawa 67's have both expressed support.