Arizona State places hockey head coach on leave after player collapses from heatstroke

Arizona State University announced Wednesday that men’s hockey head coach Greg Powers has been placed on administrative leave after 21-year-old player Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor summer workout. Mayich was hospitalized with severe heatstroke and remains on life support, with his family’s attorney saying recovery is unlikely.

University athletics director Graham Rossini said the school’s priority is supporting Mayich’s family and student-athletes, and that the decision on Powers’ leave was made after “thorough and careful deliberation” to provide stability for the program. Assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team for the upcoming season opener, and an interim head coach will be appointed soon.

The family’s attorney, Rob Carey, told NBC Nightly News that the family has long requested that the entire coaching staff be placed on leave, and that an assistant coach close to Powers remains on duty, which the attorney said should be changed. He also said the coaching staff failed to take appropriate safety measures during the workout.

Mayich’s parents and seven teammates submitted a 26-page letter to ASU President Michael Crow, alleging inadequate emergency equipment, lack of a training plan, and insufficient water breaks during a session led by assistant coach Tim Ziesel on a day when temperatures reached 104°F. The letter expressed concerns about possible retaliation against players who raise safety issues.

ASU’s internal report listed temperatures between 86°F and 89°F with relative humidity of 46%-51% and described how an athletic trainer applied cool water and called emergency services after the player collapsed. Ziesel’s attorney, Buddy Rake, said his client is willing to meet with Mayich’s family and supports a full independent investigation.

Mayich, a recent draft pick of the St. Louis Blues, had been in Arizona for eight days and with the hockey program for five. His mother, Christina Mayich, told CBC that the family is taking the situation “day by day” and asked for prayers.

The university has not yet commented on the family’s allegations or the request for an independent investigation.