Hockey Fan Returned Rare Jersey to Mayich Family
A fan sent a game-worn St. Louis Blues jersey to the family of Matthew Mayich, who remains on life support.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Hockey
A hockey fan has returned a game-worn St. Louis Blues jersey to the family of Matthew Mayich. The 21-year-old athlete remains on life support at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix following a medical emergency.
Why it matters
The return of the rare team-issued jersey served as a gesture of support for the Mayich family during their difficult time. The item now hangs in the hospital room where Matthew Mayich continues his recovery.
Mason Van Der Heyden purchased the No. 94 white jersey for $100 after it was issued to the 6-foot-3, 205-pound player. The memorabilia traveled 1,500 miles to reach the hospital in Phoenix.
The players
Matthew Mayich
He is a 21-year-old hockey player who collapsed during a workout with the Arizona State team.
Mason Van Der Heyden
He is the hockey fan who purchased the jersey and chose to return it to the family.
Barrow Neurological Institute
This is the Phoenix medical facility where the athlete is currently receiving care.
The details
Mason Van Der Heyden coordinated with the family's lawyer to ensure the jersey reached them after learning of the player's condition. The jersey was worn by Matthew Mayich during a 2023 prospect game before being mailed to his agent.
Timeline
September 15, 2023: Mayich wore the white jersey during a prospect game.
August 20, 2026: Mayich collapsed during a team workout.
September 20, 2026: Van Der Heyden mailed the jersey to the agent.
September 27, 2026: The agent received and delivered the jersey.
September 28, 2026: The family placed the jersey in the hospital room.
Season Trajectory
This story follows a pattern of public support for injured athletes seen during the 2023 Damar Hamlin cardiac arrest recovery. The gesture highlights the deep personal connections that fans often form with prospects during their development years.
The jersey is a No. 94 white uniform worn during a prospect game in St. Paul, Minnesota. The item is now permanently located in the player's hospital room in Phoenix.
The takeaway
Small acts of compassion from fans can provide significant emotional comfort to families during medical crises. Returning significant sports memorabilia serves as a unique way for the community to rally around an individual's recovery.
Further reading
For more updates on professional and collegiate athlete news, visit our Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
