The Toronto Maple Leafs were taking part in a bonding exercise in Arizona, but took time to visit with Matthew Mayich's family as they continue to search for answers to his tragic circumstances.
As the Maple Leafs look towards their regular season kicking off, they had a short team-bonding trip together as they headed to their captain's stomping grounds, taking part in a trip to the sunny state of Arizona.
Meant as a way to acclimate a bit more while also getting a few more last-minute reps in, the Maple Leafs are focused on getting back to the top of the Atlantic Division. However, they also did something utterly classy.
Maple Leafs honour Matthew Mayich ahead of Arizona getaway
The Maple Leafs actually met with the family of Matthew Mayich, the ASU hockey player who was tragically the victim of some morally bankrupt ideas, and who still lies in a hospital bed as his livelihood continues to be at risk.
Not only that, but the team was sporting apparel in honour of the fallen player as well:
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It was a class act to say the least from the Maple Leafs, and the Arizona-born Auston Matthews no doubt had a big hand in organising the tribute. Mayich, a native of Stoney Creek, Ontario - which is only about an hour or so outside of Toronto - has been in hospital since Aug. 20th.
Mayich collapsed after an intense 'military-style' workout that has garnered an intense amount of scrutiny both towards the University and its staff. Head coach Greg Powers has been grilled but has yet to take accountability. Meanwhile the school recently put no individual person at fault.
Maple Leafs' class act shows the human side of these superstars
It was genuinely heartwarming to see that despite having literally no connection to Mayich, the Maple Leafs were willing to honour and pay tribute; showing hockey's brotherhood expands far and wide.
Honestly though, when you have a team full of selfless leaders who have consistently put others before themselves, it's not shocking to see them do this. But it does offer an air of humanity to these larger than life athletes and while it might not have cost them much to pay tribute - not every team would.
Everyone in the hockey world has rallied around Mayich in the hopes that he manages to pull through and have a fruitful life after a life-threatening situation. The Maple Leafs were just the latest but they sure won't be the last.
Do you think ASU should be held criminally responsible for what happened to Matthew Mayich?
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