Training plan not filed before Hamilton-born player collapses, ASU report finds

Arizona State hockey coaches were present when 21-year-old Stoney Creek native Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout. 

However, plans for the training session were not submitted to the school, according to a preliminary report issued by the university.

Mayich collapsed during a workout on Aug. 20 and remains hospitalized with what family attorney Rob Carey said was exertional heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain. 

Carey said he is unlikely to recover.

Arizona State’s report showed temperatures during the workout, which started at 7 a.m., ranged from 86 to 89 degrees, with humidity between 51 per cent and 46 per cent. 

James Rund, senior vice-president of educational outreach and student services, said all student-athletes who participated in the event had been medically cleared before the workout, including Mayich.

The 21-year-old collapsed during a “wind-down” run while carrying a 10-pound medicine ball.

READ MORE: Stoney Creek hockey player hospitalized after workout collapse

Arizona State said it will engage a multi-disciplinary panel of experts to provide recommendations regarding best practices for outdoor athletic activities.

However, in a statement to CHCH News, Carey said: “What the report doesn’t say is what the players will tell you: this was a punishment workout. Miss a count, your group runs again. The head coach set it up, stood there and watched it, and didn’t stop it when the signs were there.”

Carey added that a month later, “nobody’s been named, nobody’s been suspended, nobody’s been fired for violating the very policies ASU published today.”

Adam Huxley, who trains athletes, did not comment specifically on this case but says there needs to be more education for players and organizations on understanding limits and speaking up.

“We have to find that line and we have to educate players. Like, hey, if you don’t feel right, it’s okay to say something. And that goes for teammates seeing that player struggling, whether it’s training on the ice, et cetra. I think the whole entire system has to be educated like that,” said Huxley.

Carey also said they are going to ask the county attorney to conduct an investigation. 

The Arizona State Police Department is looking into the incident, and a report will be sent to the county attorney’s office for independent review when complete.

WATCH MORE: ‘They need a miracle’: Hamilton-born hockey player hospitalized in Arizona