Arizona State hockey players request coach's administrative leave after teammate's heat-stroke incident

Seven Arizona State University hockey players have submitted a 26-page letter, through an attorney, to President Michael Crow requesting that head coach Greg Powers and his assistants be placed on administrative leave. The request follows an August 20 training session in which sophomore forward Matthew Mayich collapsed from heat-related illness and was placed on life support.

The players contend that the university’s initial investigation downplayed safety failures, noting that Mayich did not receive adequate hydration and that medical response was insufficient after he became disoriented during a bear-crawl drill. They allege that a water break occurred far later than the university’s report indicates and that only a few teammates were able to drink before being ordered back to continue the drill.

According to the letter, the workout was led by a former U.S. Army Green Beret who admitted forgetting to schedule a water break. The players say Mayich was left in direct sunlight for several minutes after collapsing and that only towels, bottled water, and a garden hose were available for cooling.

The athletes expressed concern that the coaching staff, who control playing time, scholarships and roster status, could retaliate against them for speaking out. They wrote, "> The head coach and his assistant coaches were all on the field on August 20, all remain in their positions, and together they decide our playing time, scholarship levels, and roster status."

Coach Powers has not commented publicly on the incident. The Sun Devils are scheduled to begin the 2026-27 season on Friday against Lindenwood.