Arizona State hockey player Matthew Mayich has "zero chance of recovery" after collapsing and falling into a coma during an offseason workout last month, according to his family's lawyer. Robert Carey stated Monday that he is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Aug. 20 incident, which occurred on campus as the university's first semester was about to begin.
Carey told The Arizona Republic that Mayich struggled during the workout and was unable to complete the assigned tasks, exhibiting disorientation before he collapsed. The lawyer described the workout as "onerous" and "grueling," noting that the temperatures were unsuitable for outdoor practice, especially for athletes who had not been in the region for an extended period. He also indicated that the session lasted over an hour without breaks for rest or hydration for some participants.
Arizona State issued a statement noting that coaches and trainers were present, asserting the workout was not unusual. Carey expressed skepticism, suggesting that university employees may have realized the student-athletes were in jeopardy and conveyed this suspicion that some did.
The university has stated it will conduct a thorough review of the incident. Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini said the review is to understand the scenario and not based on suggestions that something went wrong. Carey has called for an independent investigation.
Mayich, who is from Canada, played four seasons with the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League before transferring to Clarkson University for the previous season. He had transferred to Arizona State for the Sun Devils' 2026-27 campaign. The St. Louis Blues selected Mayich in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, but he had not yet signed an entry-level contract.
"He is twenty-one years old," Carey told The Associated Press. "His family is at his side, and they are grateful for the support they’ve received from the hockey community and from Matthew’s teammates."