Arizona State University places hockey coach on leave after player collapse

Arizona State University has placed men’s hockey head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave following the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout on August 20. Mayich, 21, remains on life support and is unlikely to recover, according to his family’s attorney.

The incident occurred during a three-day team-building event at Sun Angel Stadium in Tempe. While temperatures were reported between 86 and 89 degrees, an initial university review found that the hockey staff had not submitted a training plan to university strength and conditioning coaches for review prior to the session. The workout involved an outside consultant, Timothy Ziesel, who had been invited to speak to the team.

Seven ASU hockey players submitted an anonymous 26-page letter to University President Michael Crow, disputing the university’s account of the event and requesting the removal of the coaches involved. The players cited fears of retaliation regarding scholarships and playing time.

To address the situation, ASU has appointed former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to conduct an independent review. The investigation will examine university policies regarding the planning and supervision of outdoor training, emergency response procedures, and the use of outside specialists in strength and conditioning programs.