Brief

Parents of Arizona State hockey player demand coaches be placed on leave

The Mayich family and teammates ask Arizona State University to suspend the coaches involved in the August 20 outdoor workout that led to Matthew Mayich's collapse.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:30:06 GMT

Parents of Arizona State University (ASU) hockey player Matthew Mayich, who collapsed during an outdoor workout on August 20, have asked the university to place the coaches who ran the session on administrative leave until an independent investigation is completed, the Independent reported.

John and Christina Mayich released a statement through family attorney Rob Carey, echoing a letter signed by seven teammates that was sent anonymously to university president Michael Crow on Monday. The letter, also conveyed via the attorney, urges the university to remove the coaches while an outside agency reviews the incident.

Matthew Mayich, a 21‑year‑old defenseman drafted by the St. Louis Blues, suffered external heat stroke that reduced oxygen flow to his brain, according to Carey, and is unlikely to recover. The Mayichs said they want accountability and safety for the remaining players, and they reject rumors about their motives.

Arizona State police are investigating and will forward a report to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review.

Key facts

Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout on August 20 (independent.co.uk)
His parents, John and Christina Mayich, are calling for the coaches to be placed on administrative leave (independent.co.uk)
Seven teammates signed a letter to university president Michael Crow requesting the same action (independent.co.uk)
The incident is being investigated by Arizona State police with a report to be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (independent.co.uk)