Blues prospect in critical condition and team is under investigation after scary moment in off-season training

The hockey world is sending thoughts and prayers toward a young prospect this week after a frightening incident during what should have been a routine off-season workout in the Arizona heat. The situation has prompted an investigation by the university involved and statements from multiple hockey organizations, all rallying around a 21-year-old defenseman fighting through a medical emergency.

St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich has been hospitalized since last Thursday after collapsing during an outdoor exercise at Arizona State University, where he had recently transferred ahead of his sophomore NCAA season. The incident occurred at Sun Angel Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, where the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue dispatched crews at 8:31 a.m. after receiving a report of a "heat-related illness." Mayich was treated on site before being transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained as of Wednesday.

For context on just how brutal the conditions were that morning, the average temperature in the Phoenix area on Thursday was 92.5 degrees, with an extreme heat warning in effect throughout the entire week. The high that afternoon reached a blistering 106 degrees.

The Hockey World Rallies Around Mayich

Blues president of hockey operations Doug Armstrong released a statement on Wednesday expressing the organization's concern for the young blueliner.

"The entire Blues organization is keeping Matthew Mayich close to our hearts as we pray for his comfort and recovery while he continues to undergo medical treatment in Arizona," Armstrong said. "His agent has kept us informed about Matthew's medical status over the last week and we extend our deepest support to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

The Ontario Hockey League, where Mayich spent four seasons with the Ottawa 67's before moving on to college hockey, also offered its support. OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford praised the young defenseman's character, noting that he "earned the respect of everyone he played with and against" during his time in the league.

A virtual prayer service was held in Mayich's honor on Tuesday, during which Victoria Beara, Mayich's cousin and wife of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power, spoke on behalf of the family.

ASU Investigating the Circumstances

ASU vice president of media relations Chris Fiscus confirmed the university is looking into the details of the workout that preceded Mayich's collapse. Fiscus would not identify the student-athlete by name, citing privacy concerns, but acknowledged that a member of the hockey team who collapsed during an outdoor exercise remained hospitalized.

Notably, Fiscus declined to say whether the workout in question was sanctioned by the ASU hockey program. Under NCAA rules, college hockey teams are permitted to begin formal activities once classes have started, and ASU's fall semester happened to begin on Thursday, the same day as the incident.

Mayich was selected by the Blues with the 170th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native attended prospect camps with St. Louis in both 2023 and 2024 but has not yet signed an entry-level contract. After wrapping up his OHL career with the Ottawa 67's, he spent the 2025-26 season at Clarkson University, where he posted seven goals and eight assists across 34 games on the blue line. He announced his transfer to Arizona State after Clarkson's season ended in March, joining what was reported to be the largest group of Division I signees in the country.

The specifics of Mayich's medical condition have not been publicly disclosed, and the focus right now remains squarely on his recovery. With the university's investigation ongoing and the hockey community united in support, all eyes will be on any updates regarding the young defenseman's health in the days and weeks ahead.