What Happened
Seven members of the Arizona State hockey team sent a letter to school president Michael Crow through attorney Timothy J. Casey on Monday, requesting that the coaching staff be placed on administrative leave until an independent investigation into teammate Matthew Mayich's collapse is finished. The players submitted the letter anonymously, saying they fear retaliation from the coaching staff. The letter also disputes parts of Arizona State's initial probe into the Aug. 20 outdoor workout collapse.
Key Details
- Mayich, a defenceman drafted by the St. Louis Blues, collapsed during an outdoor workout on Aug. 20.
- The 21-year-old remains hospitalized; his family's attorney said he is unlikely to recover.
- The letter says several other teammates share the concerns but did not sign for fear of retaliation.
- ASU's initial report said coaches were present but workout plans were not submitted to the school.
- Arizona State police are investigating; the report will go to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
What It Means
The letter adds player-led pressure on Arizona State while the police investigation continues, and it challenges the school's initial account of the workout. Because the players say the same staff controls playing time, scholarships and roster status, the request for administrative leave centers on whether they can raise concerns without consequences during the inquiry.
What's Next
The Arizona State police investigation is ongoing, and its report will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for independent review once completed. Arizona State has not announced any change to the coaching staff's status.