Arizona State hockey player collapses during unsanctioned desert workout
A 21-year-old Arizona State hockey player suffered a severe heat-stroke collapse during an outdoor training session that had not been approved by the university.
During an early-morning workout on Aug. 20, 21-year-old hockey player Matthew Mayich collapsed from exertional heat stroke while carrying a 10-pound medicine ball at Sun Angel Stadium in Tempe. University officials disclosed that the coaching staff did not provide a training-activity plan to the strength-and-conditioning department before the session, a violation of existing policy. Arizona State police are conducting an investigation, and the findings will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for one outlet's review.
Mayich was hospitalized and his family’s attorney, Rob Carey, said his chances of recovery are slim. All participants had been medically cleared, and the weather that morning ranged from 86 to 89 degrees with humidity in the mid-40s to low-50s. Arizona State announced it will assemble a multidisciplinary panel to develop recommendations for outdoor one outlet activities. The incident has sparked criticism that the coaches treated the workout as punitive and failed to act when warning signs appeared.
Why it matters
The case highlights safety gaps in collegiate sports training and raises questions about university oversight of athlete health.
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