On August 20, 2024, Matthew Mayich, a 21‑year‑old Canadian NHL prospect, collapsed just before 8:30 a.m. during an outdoor hockey workout at Sun Angel Stadium on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.

ASU’s senior vice‑president James Rund later reported that the hockey coaches had not submitted a training‑plan for review by the university’s strength‑and‑conditioning staff before the session began.

An anonymous letter from the ASU hockey players, sent through their lawyer Timothy J. Casey to university president Michael M. Crow, claims that no water was provided to any athlete during the hot workout, despite a brief break being recorded in the official report.

Arizona legislators Matt Gress and Hildy Angius responded by calling for an independent investigation and asked the state Board of Regents to retain an outside investigator. The players’ letter also asks that the staff who approved, conducted and supervised the workout be placed on administrative leave and that the athletes receive written protection from retaliation.

The incident highlights how the absence of a reviewed training plan, adequate hydration and real‑time supervision can turn a routine conditioning session into a serious heat‑related emergency, underscoring the need for strict safety protocols in collegiate sports.