PHPA Executive Director seemingly issues statement on Arizona State hockey investigation

As of this moment, it doesn't seem as if Sun Devil hockey is going to experience any season-altering changes as an internal review continues regarding the collapse of defenseman Matthew Mayich during a team workout.

Nevertheless, Thursday saw a statement issued by Brian Ramsay, Executive Director for the Professional Hockey Players' Association, that seemingly commented on the situation in Tempe:

Notably, Ramsay did not mention Arizona State by name. He used vague phrasing like "the recent tragedy in collegiate hockey" and "the University president" but also spoke directly of advocating for hockey players when it comes to "injury, illness, exhaustion, or concern because they fear the consequences of speaking up."

Given that Mayich collapsed from exertional heat stroke, per his family's attorney, and that the attorney has said that current hockey players are hesitating to speak up for fear of retaliation, it's easy to connect the dots on what Ramsay is referencing.

Ramsay specifically called on "the University president" - likely meaning Michael Crow - to "conduct an inquiry and meet with players who will tell the truth about that day, but they must also guarantee that no player will suffer any repercussions or retaliation."

If, indeed, this statement is about Arizona State - which, for transparency's sake, we emphasize that has not been confirmed at this time - then it would only add fuel to the fire of the Mayich family's attorney's claims that the internal review is not being handled properly.

Per reports, Arizona State hockey is continuing to practice as normal, with head coach Greg Powers leading those practices, and assistant coaches are reportedly on the road recruiting.

The  Professional Hockey Players' Association is the players union that represents professional hockey players in both the American Hockey League and the ECHL, the two largest minor leagues in North American professional hockey.

We will continue to update this story as more details emerge.