Hamilton-born NHL prospect Matthew Mayich in Arizona hospital after 'training incident,' OHL says

NHL prospect Matthew Mayich, who was born in Hamilton and played junior hockey with the Ottawa 67's, is in hospital in Arizona following "an off-ice training incident," says the Ontario Hockey League.

The OHL said it's "sending thoughts, prayers and support" to Mayich, 21.

The St. Louis Blues drafted the defenceman in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL draft. 

Mayich's player record says he played minor hockey with the Hamilton Huskies between 2016 and 2020 before joining the 67's. 

The OHL said reports indicate he was hospitalized while preparing for the 2026-27 season in Arizona on Aug. 20.

CBC Hamilton reached out to ask Arizona State University, where Mayich is listed as a player, if he was injured at the Tempe school, but there was no response by publication time.

"The entire Blues organization is keeping Matthew Mayich close to our hearts as we pray for his comfort and recovery while he continues to undergo medical treatment in Arizona," Doug Armstrong, the Blues' president of hockey operations, said Wednesday.

In a news release, Armstrong said the organization extends its "deepest support to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford shared a similar message in the league's news release, saying, “Our thoughts are with Matthew, his parents John and Christina, and the entire Mayich family."

Evan Gold named Hamilton Hammers general manager

“Matthew spent four seasons in our league and earned the respect of everyone he played with and against," Crawford said. "The entire Ontario Hockey League is thinking of him and pulling for him, and we are keeping his family close in our thoughts."

The Huskies — now the Hamilton Steel Hockey Club — posted congratulatory messages to