Matthew Mayich’s Parents Say His Collapse Had ‘Nothing to Do with His Heart’ as They Speak Out for First Time

The family of Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old ice hockey player currently in hospital following a serious incident, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his collapse during a workout in Arizona on 20 August. The young athlete suffered a heat stroke, resulting in significant oxygen deprivation to his brain. His parents, John and Christina Mayich, spoke exclusively to Sportsnet, emphasising that the situation was not related to any pre-existing heart conditions.

During the interview, John Mayich reiterated that his son had been in peak physical condition, geared up for the upcoming season. “He was 100 percent ready to go this season. He worked all summer, and he was prepared,” John explained. His statement highlighted both the family’s belief in Matthew’s fitness and their determination to combat the situation with a positive outlook, despite the gravity of events.

The conditions on the day of the incident were reportedly harsh, with extreme heat impacting the safety of the workout. John elaborated, “We’ve been told there was a workout scheduled for early that day, and I guess it was hot, and the conditions weren’t good for working out.” Unfortunately, these factors culminated in Matthew collapsing during this military-style training session.

John expressed the family’s resolve amidst the crisis, revealing, “Considering the situation, I think we’re somewhat strong in just trying to push through. We’ve got no choice.” Meanwhile, Christina highlighted the emotional toll the situation has taken on the family, as they navigate the uncertainty of Matthew’s health, taking things “day by day” and hoping for a miraculous recovery.

The family’s attorney previously indicated grim expectations for Matthew’s prognosis, stating there was “zero chance” of recovery. Nevertheless, John’s unwavering belief in his son’s strength shines through. “He’s a fighter,” he said, indicating their commitment to providing Matthew with every possible opportunity to survive.

Additionally, John shared his concerns for Matthew’s teammates, who witnessed the traumatic event unfold. He reassured them, saying, “I don’t want them to feel guilty at all that this happened.” His thoughts reveal a deep empathy for the young men who shared the experience, as he hopes they can find peace amid the chaos.

In a heartfelt moment, Christina described the emotional impact of attending a vigil held for Matthew, where many of his teammates gathered to show support. “When you saw the team, it was like, ‘Matthew, you should be sitting there with them right now. You shouldn’t be up here,’” she reflected, acknowledging both the warmth and heartbreak felt in that moment.

Around 25 current and former players from the Sun Devils team attended the vigil, demonstrating the strong community bond surrounding Matthew’s journey. John’s words of gratitude for their presence were evident as he stated, “It was very nice to see.”

The Mayich family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support they have received from around the globe. They reflected on how far their son has come, expressing gratitude for the kindness shown to them during this difficult time. “Matthew is a simple boy from Stoney Creek, Ont., and we don’t know how he made it that far that people are praying for him,” they shared, illustrating the surprisingly positive human connections that can emerge even in moments of distress.

As the Mayich family continues to grapple with the ramifications of Matthew’s health crisis, they remain hopeful and resilient, taking solace in the love and support of their community and the promise of recovery.