Arizona State hockey begins home series amid player medical crisis investigation

Arizona State University hockey has returned to Mullett Arena for its 2026-27 home-opening series against Holy Cross. The two-game set, scheduled for October 9-10, marks the first time Holy Cross has visited the arena or the state of Arizona.

The home opener follows significant turmoil within the program. Assistant coach Alex Hicks was absent from the Friday game, following the previous administrative leave of head coach Greg Powers on September 30. These absences follow an August 20 outdoor workout that resulted in defenseman Matthew Mayich suffering external heat stroke. According to family attorney Rob Carey, the incident reduced oxygen flow to Mayich’s brain, and he is unlikely to recover.

In response to the incident, Arizona State has requested former Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Balesto to lead an independent review, expected to be completed by early December. Seven players have also called for the coaching staff involved in the workout to be placed on administrative leave. The Arizona State police department is currently investigating the matter.