RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Prayers and support are pouring in for an Arizona State University hockey player who collapsed during an outdoor exercise at the school track on Aug. 20.
Matthew Mayich, 21, remained hospitalized in Phoenix after suffering what was described as a possible cardiac event.
A virtual prayer service was shared on Aug. 25 by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, which brought together supporters in Mayich's home province of Ontario and elsewhere.
One of Mayich's relatives thanked those in the virtual room, which was packed with so many people that no more were able to join.
"Even though we are going through this heartbreak, it is truly such a blessing to see everyone praying and just the impact Matthew has had on so many people," Mayich's cousin, Victoria Beara, said. "It's in God's hand. Please don't stop praying and don’t give up."
Beara is married to Owen Power, who plays for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League.
Deacon Kevin Barron of the Catholic Community of Buffalo North led the rosary.
"It's been very faith-affirming process. Keep praying for Matthew," he said during the service.
In an interview with The Arizona Republic after the service, Barron said he stepped in for the family to honor Mayich in a daily prayer session.
"I can see how important he is to both his family, the hockey community in Arizona State," he said.
Barron said Beara reached out to him after learning the hockey player had experienced a cardiac event and was still in a coma.
"It's been a beautifully powerful and spiritual experience sort of honoring Matthew in this way and sort of praying for God's intercession ... we're people that believe in prayer."
Aug. 25 marked the third consecutive day Barron led a prayer service. He said it was privilege to be be able to help the family.
Barron said Mayich's family is grieving and asked for privacy and for the public's prayers. He said family members were not ready to address the public because they are struggling with the tragedy.
Paramedics called to ASU track on Aug. 20
ASU has declined comment on who the hockey player is, citing privacy concerns. It has declined comment on what happened since Aug. 23, when university spokespeople confirmed that a hockey player had collapsed during an outdoor exercise.
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue crews responded at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 20 to ASU's Joe Selleh Track near Rural Road and Rio Salado Parkway for calls of a heat-related illness, spokesperson Pat Shannahan said. A person was treated and hospitalized, Shannahan said.
ASU athletic director Graham Rossini declined comment, and hockey coach Greg Powers has not been reached for comment.
"The university offers its support for the student-athlete, their family and all our student-athletes during this difficult time," said Chris Fiscus, vice president of media relations, on Aug. 23.
Who is ASU hockey player Matthew Mayich?
Mayich, a sophomore defenseman from Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, near Hamilton, is in his first year in the program after transferring from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
Mayich was part of a 2026 ASU transfer portal class that ranked first in the country.
He appeared in 34 games, tallying seven goals and eight assists in his freshman season at Clarkson.
Before playing at Clarkson, Mayich spent four years with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League, appearing in more than 250 games, scoring 106 points over his career. He was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round (No. 170 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft.
The Phoenix area has been experiencing extreme heat for days. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recorded a temperature of 87 degrees at 7:51 a.m. and 89 degrees around 8:51 a.m. on Aug. 20, according to Iowa Environmental Mesonet weather archives, part of Iowa State University.
Includes information from Arizona Republic reporter Michelle Gardner.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Matthew Mayich, Arizona State hockey player, in hospital after collapse
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