The Toronto Maple Leafs showed their support for Matthew Mayich and his family during their trip to Arizona on Saturday.
The team wore custom T-shirts which featured a drawing of the Arizona State defenseman’s face and his No. 27 during their practice at the college’s Mullett Arena. They also wore hats featuring Mayich’s initials, number and a yellow ribbon.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared a picture of the hats and shirts on social media.
On Aug. 20, Mayich collapsed during an outdoor offseason workout. He is still hospitalized.
Before the Maple Leafs practice, players visited Mayich’s family and friends at the hospital.
Mayich is from Stoney Creek, Ontario and was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He played at Clarkson University last season and transferred to Arizona State this summer.
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said the situation was “pretty emotional” to reporters in Arizona.
“I think the hockey community itself is extremely tight-knit, but you just look around at all the love and support they are getting from people that aren’t even involved in hockey and have heard the story, (that) just want to offer their love and support, prayers and all that,” Matthews said in a video posted by PHNX Hockey on social media.
“That’s the approach I wanted to take, I think all of us wanted to take in coming here, knowing what the situation was and wanting to make sure the family knew we are sending our thoughts and prayers and support for them.”
The Maple Leafs are currently in Arizona for a team-bonding trip hosted by Matthews, who is from the Scottsdale area.
