A 20‑year‑old defenseman for Arizona State University, Matthew Mayich, was rushed to a hospital on Thursday morning after collapsing during an outdoor conditioning drill at Sun Angel Stadium in Tempe. The workout took place under Phoenix’s scorching sky, where temperatures climbed to 106°F, far above the season’s average.
Mayich, a sixth‑round selection of the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft, had spent the previous two years navigating the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67s and a season at Clarkson University before transferring to Tempe for his sophomore campaign with the Sun Devils. He had previously attended Blues prospect camps in 2023 and 2024, though he never secured an entry‑level contract.
University officials confirmed that the institution is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workout, but they have stopped short of saying the activity was officially sanctioned by the hockey program. The incident occurred just as the fall semester began, a time when NCAA regulations permit teams to commence formal practices.
In a statement released on Friday, the St. Louis Blues organization expressed its support for Mayich and his family, wishing him a swift recovery and emphasizing that the team will remain engaged with the player’s health journey.
The episode has reignited conversations about heat safety for collegiate athletes, especially in regions where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Coaches and medical staff are being reminded of the importance of monitoring exertion levels and providing adequate hydration.
A heat‑related collapse on the practice field
The university’s athletic department, in coordination with campus health services, is working to ensure that all future workouts incorporate revised safety measures, including scheduled breaks, shaded rest areas, and mandatory cooling periods.