Arizona State hockey coach placed on paid leave amid investigation of player collapse

Arizona State University placed men’s hockey head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave on Wednesday, 42 days after defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor team workout. Mayich remains hospitalized, and his family’s attorney says he is not expected to recover.

Assistant coach Mike Corbett, who previously led the program at Alabama Huntsville and was an assistant on Quinnipiac’s NCAA championship team, will assume head-coaching duties. The university said it will soon name an interim head coach.

Athletic director Graham Rossini said, "Our focus continues to be on Matthew and his family, and on our student-athletes to make sure they have the support they need during this time and as the season begins. We have continued to collect as much information as possible. After thorough and careful deliberation, I believe this is the best move to provide stability for the hockey program."

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference issued a statement supporting the university’s decision, adding that the concerns raised by student-athletes will be reviewed without prejudice.

The action follows a letter sent anonymously by seven players through an attorney to the university president, requesting staff leave while an independent investigation proceeds. The letter alleges that Mayich received no water during a 75-minute outdoor workout and that staff were not prepared to recognize or treat heat-stroke, despite signs of distress before the collapse. Powers declined to comment on the workout during a recent conference media call.

Arizona State finished last in the NCHC last season and entered the new season with 18 new players, including Mayich, a transfer from Clarkson and a St. Louis Blues draft pick.