Matthew Mayich collapse prompts ASU players to seek leave for coaching staff

Seven members of Arizona State University’s men’s hockey team have asked school president Michael Crow to place the program’s coaching staff on administrative leave while an independent investigation continues into the on-ice collapse of teammate Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout on August 20 in Tempe, Ariz.

The players delivered their request in a letter sent Monday through lawyer Timothy J. Casey. They chose to remain anonymous, saying they fear repercussions if they speak publicly. According to the letter, other teammates share the same concerns but declined to sign for fear of jeopardizing their scholarships, playing time or roster spots.

The letter challenges portions of Arizona State’s initial internal review of the incident involving Mayich. It also alleges that key elements of the university’s policy on exertional heat were not followed on the day of the workout or in the immediate aftermath of the collapse.

Players allege policy breaches and limited hydration

The players describe the August 20 session as 75 minutes of continuous high-intensity work in the Arizona heat, without regular rest intervals and without open access to fluids for everyone on the ice. They claim only those who performed well in the drill were allowed to stop for drinks and say Mayich was not among the players permitted to hydrate.

In their account, the school’s requirements for gradual heat acclimatization, frequent breaks and unrestricted access to liquids were not met. The group is asking that all staff who approved, ran or supervised the workout be placed on leave and that an interim staff be installed so players can share information with investigators without worrying about their standing in the program.

The letter notes that the head coach and assistants remain in their positions and collectively control ice time, scholarship amounts and roster decisions, a situation the players argue makes it difficult to speak candidly while the investigation is ongoing.

Police investigation and Mayich’s background

Arizona State’s campus police department is conducting a formal investigation into the circumstances of Mayich’s collapse. Once that work is completed, the file is expected to be forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for an independent review.

Mayich suffered exertional heat stroke that limited the flow of oxygen to his brain and remains hospitalized. A lawyer representing his family has said the 21-year-old is unlikely to recover. The incident occurred on the first day NCAA rules allow schools to hold official team activities.

The St. Louis Blues selected Mayich in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, but he did not sign an entry-level contract. The Stoney Creek, Ont., native played four seasons with the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL before spending last season at Clarkson University. He transferred to Arizona State ahead of the upcoming campaign.