ASU hockey players demand independent probe after teammate's collapse
Seven ASU men's hockey players anonymously alleged safety lapses during an August workout that left teammate Matthew Mayich in a coma, calling for an external investigation and interim coaching staff.
Seven members of Arizona State University’s men’s hockey team have sent an anonymous letter to President Michael Crow contesting the university’s account of the August 20 workout that resulted in teammate Matthew Mayich falling into a coma. The players, represented by attorney Tim Casey, say they fear retaliation from the coaching staff, which controls ice time, scholarships and roster status.
The letter, also copied to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, claims the session lasted more than 75 minutes—far longer than the roughly 45 minutes reported by senior vice president James Rund—and that Mayich received only a brief water break that reached the first eight players, leaving him still crawling when it ended. The players allege consultant Tim Ziesel used extra exercise as punishment and that Mayich showed signs of distress, including disorientation, before the final drill.
According to the players, the athletic trainer positioned Mayich upright twice after he fell, contrary to medical protocols that advise keeping a collapsed athlete prone to maintain blood flow to the brain. They also state there was no cold-water immersion tub, ice, fan or stretcher on the field; only a small cooler with Powerade towels, water bottles and a minute of warm water from a garden hose. Mayich reportedly remained in direct sunlight for several minutes before being moved to shade.
The letter says head coach Greg Powers described Mayich’s condition as “just a little heat stroke,” claiming he had seen similar cases many times and that the player only needed an IV. The players are requesting that the coaching staff be placed on administrative leave, an interim coach be appointed before the season opener on Oct. 2, and that an independent agency conduct the investigation. They also ask for written assurance that no player will lose a scholarship or roster spot for speaking out.
Family attorney Robert Carey said the players’ account confirms the family’s concerns and adds new, more serious details. He criticized the university for accepting what he called a false account of the workout.
An ASU spokesperson acknowledged receipt of the letter but offered no comment. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said her office will review the materials gathered by ASU Police and will ensure appropriate investigative steps are taken, while expressing condolences to the Mayich family.