Arizona State hockey head coach Greg Powers has been placed on administrative leave as the university investigates the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor team workout.
Powers will miss the Sun Devils’ season opener against Lindenwood on Friday, with assistant coach Mike Corbett taking charge while the school considers an interim replacement.
ASU athletic director Graham Rossini said the decision was intended to provide stability for the programme while the investigation continues.
“Our focus continues to be on Matthew and his family, and on our student-athletes to make sure they have the support they need during this time and as the season begins,” Rossini said.
Mayich, a 21-year-old defenceman, collapsed shortly before 8.30am on 20 August during a workout at Sun Angel Stadium on the university’s Tempe campus. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and remains in a coma, according to earlier reports.
The session formed part of a three-day team-building event and was attended by all three ASU hockey coaches, the team’s athletic trainer and Timothy Ziesel, a former Green Beret who had previously worked with the team on leadership and teamwork.
An initial university review found that the players carried out calisthenics, bodyweight exercises and running in temperatures ranging from 86F to 89F (30C to 32C). It said Mayich appeared to struggle while running with a medicine ball before stumbling, falling and later deteriorating.
The review said the athletic trainer applied iced towels and cool water, moved Mayich towards shade and called emergency services. ASU Police are conducting a separate investigation, with their report due to be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent consideration.
Investigation into Matthew Mayich collapse
ASU said 20 people had so far been interviewed as part of the university review or police investigation. Student-athletes have been invited, but not required, to provide information, and the university said retaliation against anyone raising concerns would not be tolerated.
Powers said he supported the decision to place him on leave while the circumstances of the 20 August workout were examined.
“I believe this will allow the review to proceed thoroughly, independently and without distraction,” he said. “I intend to cooperate fully and want a process that Matthew, our players, their families and the broader ASU community can have confidence in.”
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference said it supported Arizona State’s decision and expressed its thoughts for Mayich, his family and his team-mates.
