The parents of an Arizona State hockey player who collapsed during an outdoor workout are calling for the coaches involved to be removed until an independent investigation is completed. John and Christina Mayich, the parents of 21-year-old Matthew Mayich, released a statement through the family attorney Tuesday, concurring with a letter sent by seven Arizona State hockey players to university president Michael Crow on Monday. The players asked the university to place the coaches involved in the Aug. 20 workout on administrative leave until an investigation by an outside agency is completed.

The letter was sent anonymously through an attorney because the players feared retribution from the coaching staff. "We've heard some things about what our family wants that aren't right, so we want to be clear: we want this team to have a great season and we'll be cheering for you," the Mayichs said through attorney Rob Carey. "But the coaches who ran that workout on August 20 need to be removed while an independent investigation gets to the truth."

Mayich, a defenseman drafted by the St. Louis Blues, collapsed during the workout on the first day the NCAA allows official activities. He suffered external heatstroke that reduced oxygen flow to his brain and is unlikely to recover. The players' letter cited discrepancies in an initial probe by Arizona State and requested an interim coaching staff if the coaches are placed on leave.

The Arizona State police department is investigating, and a report will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for independent review. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell confirmed communication with ASU police and asked for cooperation. Arizona's House and Senate education committee chairs also called for an independent investigation.