Attorney Rob Carey, representing the family of Arizona State hockey player Matthew Mayich, has asked ASU to transfer its investigation into Mayich's collapse to an impartial agency like the Phoenix Police Department. In a letter dated Sept. 4, Carey wrote that the family wants "an investigation that is impartial and free of any institutional stake in the outcome." He proposed the Arizona Attorney General's Office or the Arizona Department of Public Safety if Phoenix PD declines. ASU has not responded to ESPN's questions.

Mayich collapsed on Aug. 20 during an offseason workout led by former Green Beret Tim Ziesel and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Carey said Mayich suffered exertional heat stroke and is unlikely to recover. Temperatures reached 90 degrees that morning.

Ziesel's attorney, Buddy Rake, called the workout "a medium preseason high school workout" and said his client supports an investigation and full transparency with Mayich's family.

The Professional Hockey Players' Association called for a thorough investigation into "the recent tragedy in collegiate hockey" while protecting athletes from retaliation. Executive director Brian Ramsay said the system failed Mayich and urged the university president to conduct an inquiry and guarantee no repercussions for players who speak out.

Mayich played four seasons with the Ottawa 67's and one at Clarkson University before transferring to Arizona State. The St. Louis Blues drafted him in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL draft.