Matthew Mayich remains in critical condition, a devastating update for St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery and the organization.
The 21-year-old Arizona State defenceman remained hospitalized Thursday after collapsing during an outdoor workout on August 20. A person close to Mayich's family confirmed his condition remained critical.
Mayich was taking part in a workout at Arizona State when the medical emergency unfolded. The university has since opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the session.
"Arizona State hockey player Matthew Mayich collapsed during a punishing military-style workout on Aug. 20 and remains in critical condition.
The Athletic has confirmed that the instructor was a former military service member and non-university employee."
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The workout has been described by people who were present as “military-style,” with the program designed around conditioning, leadership and team-building exercises. It began around 7 a.m. in Tempe.
The session reportedly lasted roughly 45 to 50 minutes, with breaks mixed into the workout while an instructor spoke to players about communication and leadership. Mayich later collapsed and required emergency medical attention.
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Questions have grown because the workout took place outdoors during a stretch of extreme Arizona heat. ASU has said it is reviewing exactly what happened and the nature of the activity.
Blues prospect remains hospitalized
Mayich's situation hits well beyond the Arizona State locker room. He is a St. Louis Blues prospect after being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Ontario native transferred to Arizona State after spending his freshman NCAA season with Clarkson. He was preparing for his first year with the Sun Devils when the medical emergency occurred.
Reports earlier this week said Mayich had suffered what was described by someone close to the family as a possible cardiac event. His family has been surrounded by support as he continues receiving treatment.
The Blues have also been monitoring Mayich's condition while remaining in contact with those around him. The organization publicly expressed its support for Mayich, his family, teammates and friends.
For Montgomery and the Blues, hockey development is far down the list right now. Mayich's health and recovery are the only things that matter as the prospect remains hospitalized.
Arizona State's investigation could eventually provide more clarity about how the workout was organized and what occurred before Mayich collapsed. For now, the latest update remains deeply concerning.
The hockey world is waiting for better news on a young defenceman whose first season at Arizona State had barely begun before everything changed.
Should Arizona State face major consequences if its investigation finds the workout was unsafe?
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