ASU hires former judge for probe after hockey player Matthew Mayich collapses, tell me about this news today

Arizona State University (ASU) commissioned an independent external investigation led by former Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Rebecca White Berch following the collapse of men’s ice hockey defenseman Matthew Mayich during a team workout.

Key Details of the Situation

• The Incident: Matthew Mayich, an incoming freshman defenseman for the Sun Devils, suffered a sudden medical emergency and collapsed during an off-ice conditioning session. Athletic training and medical staff administered emergency care, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), before he was hospitalized.

• The Investigation: ASU leadership retained Judge Rebecca White Berch to conduct a thorough, independent review. The inquiry focuses on:

  • The intensity, design, and oversight of the conditioning session.

  • Environmental and safety conditions at the time of the workout.

  • Whether all emergency action plans and medical protocols were properly followed.

  • Adherence to NCAA safety guidelines and institutional standards.

• Administrative Context: University leadership emphasized that bringing in a retired judge ensures transparency and impartiality, allowing an outside perspective to assess whether protocols were adequate and if any procedural failures occurred.

• Program Response: ASU Athletics and the hockey coaching staff expressed support for Mayich and his family, emphasizing athlete safety as the department cooperates fully with the independent probe while awaiting the review’s formal findings and recommendations.