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According to the Ontario Hockey League, NHL prospect Matthew Mayich—a Hamilton native who previously suited up for the Ottawa 67’s in junior hockey—has been hospitalized in Arizona after sustaining an injury during an off-ice conditioning session.
The league expressed that it is offering its “deepest thoughts, prayers, and strength” to the 21-year-old athlete.
In the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the St. Louis Blues selected the young blue-liner in the sixth round.
According to his career profile, Mayich competed in minor hockey with the Hamilton Huskies from 2016 to 2020 prior to making the leap to the 67’s.
The OHL noted that accounts point to him being taken to the hospital on August 20 during training preparations in Arizona for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
St. Louis Blues offer prayers for Mayich’s healing
Inquiries were made by CBC Hamilton to Arizona State University, where Mayich’s name appears on the active roster, to verify whether the accident took place at the campus in Tempe.
The institution confirmed that a member of their hockey program collapsed during an outdoor early morning conditioning drill and is currently under medical care. University officials declined to disclose the student’s identity and stated they are currently “investigating the details of the training session.”
In a statement released by the franchise, St. Louis Blues president of hockey operations Doug Armstrong remarked, “Everyone within our organization holds Matthew Mayich near to our hearts, praying for his peace and rehabilitation as he receives professional medical care in Arizona.”
Armstrong added that the franchise offers its “most sincere support” to Mayich’s loved ones, companions, and colleagues throughout this challenging period.
Expressing a parallel sentiment, OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford declared in the league’s statement, “Our hearts go out to Matthew, his parents John and Christina, along with the rest of the Mayich loved ones.”
“Having spent four years competing in our league, Matthew gained the admiration of teammate and rival alike,” Crawford noted. “The OHL community as a whole stands behind him, wishing him well, and keeping his relatives in our collective thoughts.”
The Huskies, who have rebranded as the Hamilton Steel Hockey Club, previously shared notes of celebration for Mayich when he committed to the 67’s back in 2021, and again following his draft selection by the Blues in 2023.
The local club highlighted that he had been part of their development program since the age of nine.
