Matthew Mayich is in an Arizona hospital after what the OHL is calling an off-ice training incident, and the hockey world is sending support his way.
The St. Louis Blues released a statement Wednesday, with the team keeping the 21-year-old defenseman "close to our hearts" during his recovery.
Mayich was drafted by St. Louis in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He's a Hamilton native who played four seasons with the Ottawa 67's in the OHL.
Reports indicate he was hospitalized while training in Arizona for the 2026-27 season, with the incident occurring on August 20.
Arizona State University, where Mayich is listed on the roster, confirmed a student on the hockey team collapsed during an outdoor morning exercise session.
The school said it isn't naming the student publicly and is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workout.
Hockey community stunned by alarming Matthew Mayich news
Doug Armstrong, the Blues' president of hockey operations, said the organization is praying for Mayich's comfort and recovery as he continues medical treatment.
"The entire Blues organization is keeping Matthew Mayich close to our hearts," Armstrong said in the team's release.
OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford echoed that sentiment, extending thoughts to Mayich and his parents, John and Christina.
"Matthew spent four seasons in our league and earned the respect of everyone he played with and against," Crawford said.
Mayich's minor hockey roots trace back to the Hamilton Huskies, now known as the Hamilton Steel Hockey Club, where he played from age nine.
That organization posted congratulatory messages when he signed with the 67's in 2021 and again when St. Louis drafted him in 2023.
Prospects rarely make headlines this way, and there's no confirmation yet on the severity of what happened or a timeline for his recovery.
For now, the Blues, the OHL, and Mayich's hometown community are simply waiting for updates, and hoping for good news.
This is a sensitive topic involving a young athlete's health. If you or someone you know is dealing with a medical emergency, please reach out to appropriate emergency services or a trusted professional.
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