The parents of an Arizona State hockey player who collapsed during an outdoor workout are demanding that the coaches involved be removed pending an independent investigation. John and Christina Mayich, parents of 21-year-old Matthew Mayich, released a statement Tuesday supporting a letter sent by seven ASU hockey players to university president Michael Crow.
The players' anonymous letter, sent through an attorney, also requested that coaches be placed on administrative leave until an outside agency completes its investigation. The Mayichs, through their attorney Rob Carey, stated their desire for the team to have a successful season but emphasized the need for accountability regarding the Aug. 20 workout.
"The coaches who ran that workout on August 20 need to be removed while an independent investigation gets to the truth," the Mayichs said in their statement. "The players shouldn’t have to worry about retaliation from the people they report to every day."
Matthew Mayich, a defenseman drafted by the St. Louis Blues, collapsed during the workout and suffered external heat stroke that compromised oxygen flow to his brain. Carey indicated that recovery is unlikely.
The anonymous letter from the players highlighted discrepancies in an initial probe conducted by Arizona State and called for an interim coaching staff if the current coaches are suspended. The Mayichs clarified their position, stating, "If anyone wants to know what we want, ask us. We want the truth, and we want it done in a way that lets the boys focus on hockey instead of wondering whether their coaches think they talked."
Arizona's House and Senate education committee chairs have also called for an independent investigation into the incident after reviewing the players' letter.
The Arizona State police department is currently investigating the incident, and its report will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review upon completion.