ASU hockey community urges leave for coaches after player collapses in heat
Arizona State University hockey player Matthew Mayich remains hospitalized after collapsing from exertional heat stroke, prompting his family and teammates to call for the coaches involved to be placed on leave pending investigation.
A 21-year-old Arizona State University hockey player is still in hospital after collapsing during an outdoor summer workout on Aug. 20, with doctors saying he suffered exertional heat stroke that limited oxygen to his brain. His family, speaking through an attorney, said he is unlikely to recover.
The player's parents released a statement saying the incident occurred during a team workout and that Mayich, a recent arrival to Arizona and a recent addition to the hockey program, received no water during the session, which they described as more grueling than reported. > "He suffered exertional heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain," the statement read.
Seven teammates submitted an anonymous letter to the university president, alleging that the athletic staff was unprepared for heat-stroke emergencies and requesting that an interim coaching staff be installed if the coaches involved are placed on leave. The players said they feared retaliation for speaking out.
Arizona State police are conducting an investigation, and a report will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for independent review.