Arizona State hockey players request administrative leave for coach after teammate's collapse
Seven Arizona State University hockey players have asked the university president to place head coach Greg Powers on administrative leave and to allow an external investigation into the preseason workout that left teammate Matthew Mayich in a vegetative state.
Seven members of the Arizona State University men's hockey team have written to university president Michael Crow urging that head coach Greg Powers and the coaching staff be placed on administrative leave while an independent investigation examines the August 20 preseason workout that resulted in defender Matthew Mayich being placed on life support. The 26-page letter, obtained by media outlets, alleges that the workout lacked adequate hydration breaks, that Mayich did not receive timely medical attention after collapsing, and that Powers minimized the seriousness of his condition, initially describing it as a minor head injury.
The players, who submitted the letter anonymously through attorney Tim Casey out of fear of retaliation, contend that a water break occurred 35 to 45 minutes into a 75-minute session rather than the 20 minutes reported in the university’s internal review, and that only a small group of athletes received water during the break. They also state that Mayich showed signs of distress during earlier drills, was left in direct sunlight for several minutes, and was not provided with a cold-water immersion tub or ice chest, which university policy requires.
Mayich, a transfer from Clarkson University with no known preexisting medical conditions, suffered exertional heat stroke that caused brain oxygen deprivation. He remains in a vegetative state with no expectation of recovery. The university’s internal review found that the coaching staff had not vetted the training plan but did not assign responsibility or outline accountability measures.
In the letter, the players request written assurances that they will not lose scholarships, playing time, or roster positions for cooperating with any investigation, and they call for an external agency to conduct the review. Attorney Rob Carey, representing Mayich’s family, said the players’ account adds new details to the case and underscores the seriousness of the incident.