A sophomore defenseman for Arizona State University’s hockey team was rushed to the hospital after collapsing during a morning workout on the sun‑baked campus.
A Sudden Collapse on the Desert Campus
The incident occurred on a Thursday morning when temperatures in Phoenix surged into the triple digits, despite a brief respite from monsoon storms the night before.
Matthew Mayich, a 20‑year‑old from Ontario, Canada, was wearing jersey number 27 and was in his first season with the Sun Devils after being selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL draft.
Emergency physician Dr. Frank LoVecchio, who was on site, warned that such extreme heat can overwhelm even the most conditioned athletes, leading to heatstroke, brain injury or permanent damage.
Arizona State University officials have launched a review of the training conditions, citing the need to reassess protocols for outdoor workouts in a climate where temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Community Vigil and Support
A candlelight vigil organized by the Canadian‑Croatian Chamber of Commerce drew students, teammates and local residents who gathered to pray for Mayich’s recovery and to extend sympathy to his family.
The gathering highlighted the close‑knit nature of the university’s international student body, many of whom arrived on campus only weeks earlier and are now learning firsthand about the region’s harsh summer climate.
Health experts say the episode serves as a stark reminder that climate‑related risks are becoming a growing concern for collegiate athletics, urging coaches and administrators to prioritize safety over performance.
Mayich remains under medical care, and his family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support as he continues his recovery.