An unsigned letter from members of Arizona State University’s hockey team, addressed to the university president, challenges the findings presented in ASU’s official report on the circumstances surrounding the collapse of Canadian NHL prospect Matthew Mayich.
The report by ASU official James Rund, released recently, states that 21-year-old Mayich collapsed around 8:30 a.m. during a training session on August 20 at Sun Angel Stadium on the Tempe campus. It also concluded that ASU hockey coaches did not submit a training plan for review by trainers before the session.
The players, who sent the letter anonymously through their lawyer Timothy J. Casey to ASU President Michael M. Crow, expressed concerns about potential repercussions. They claimed that Mayich did not receive any water during the outdoor workout in hot weather and demanded that the responsible trainers be placed on leave pending an independent investigation.
The letter highlighted that no disciplinary actions had been taken against anyone involved, including the head coach responsible for selecting the instructor and arranging the session. It called for the coaching staff to be replaced temporarily pending further investigation.
Additionally, the Arizona State Legislature’s House and Senate education chairs, Matt Gress and Hildy Angius, announced on X platform their call for an independent inquiry into the August 20 training session, urging the state’s Board of Regents to appoint an external investigator.
The report by Rund mentioned that a break was taken for athletes to drink water during the workout, but the players’ letter contradicted this, stating that neither Matthew nor many others received water at any point. It also questioned the decision-making process that led to the exclusion of the strength and conditioning coach and the lack of monitoring for signs of heat illness.
The family of Matthew Mayich expressed gratitude towards his teammates for their support and called for the removal of the coaches involved in the workout pending an independent investigation. They emphasized the importance of protecting players from retaliation and ensuring full compliance with relevant policies.
ASU’s response to these allegations was pending at the time of publication. Matthew Mayich, a former Hamilton Huskies player and NHL prospect, remains in critical condition following the incident during the training session. The St. Louis Blues organization, where Mayich was drafted, continues to offer support and prayers for his recovery.
