A 21‑year‑old Arizona State University hockey player, Matthew Mayich, collapsed during an outdoor practice in Tempe, Arizona, after suffering an exertional heat stroke that left him incapacitated for more than two weeks.
A Dangerous Practice
The practice, which stretched beyond an hour and included only sporadic water breaks, was overseen by coaches and a third‑party trainer, yet staff appeared unprepared to respond when Mayich became disoriented, confused and dizzy before he fell. Mayich, a former sixth‑round draft pick by the St. Louis Blues who never signed, had spent four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and one at Clarkson University before transferring to Arizona State.
Medical experts say that without immediate cooling and proper hydration, the progression from heat illness to a near‑fatal event can occur within minutes; Mayich was rushed to a hospital where doctors described his condition as critical, with a prognosis that initially suggested little chance of recovery.
Arizona State University has launched a review of the incident, examining its policies and training protocols, while declining to name Mayich because of privacy concerns. His family, still awaiting a transparent investigation, has retained attorney Robert Carey to ensure that evidence is preserved and that they receive full disclosure before considering any legal steps.
The case underscores a growing concern about heat safety in collegiate athletics, prompting calls for stricter guidelines on rest periods, water access, and on‑site medical readiness during intense outdoor sessions.