Arizona State University has placed head hockey coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave. This follows an intense outdoor summer workout that left 21-year-old defenseman Matthew Mayich hospitalized on life support. The decision comes weeks after the August 20 incident at Sun Angel Stadium. The event has sparked public scrutiny, an internal investigation, and mounting pressure from players, lawmakers, and the player’s family.
Mayich is a sophomore transfer and a sixth-round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL draft. He collapsed during what family attorneys and anonymous teammates described as an extreme, military-style training session led by a former Green Beret. According to reports, Mayich flew in from Ottawa, Canada, just days before participating in the conditioning session in Arizona’s severe heat.
Growing Pressure and Player Allegations
The university’s move to suspend Powers follows a series of escalating developments. Earlier in the week, seven anonymous ASU hockey players submitted a detailed 26-page letter to university President Michael Crow via legal representation. The players expressed fear of retaliation from the coaching staff. They noted that all coaches who supervised the August 20 session remained in their positions, maintaining authority over playing time, roster spots, and scholarships.
In their letter, the players disputed an initial internal review led by senior vice president James Rund. They alleged that the workout lasted approximately 75 minutes rather than the reported 45 minutes. They also stated that required safety protocols were ignored, exercise was used as punishment, and players-including Mayich-were restricted from accessing water during strenuous drills. Legal representatives for the Mayich family criticized the initial handling of the situation. They argued that leaving the broader coaching structure intact undermined player safety and transparency.
University Response and Leadership Changes
ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini addressed the disciplinary action. He stated that the university’s primary focus remains on supporting Mayich, his family, and the broader hockey program. Assistant coach Mike Corbett will take charge of the team as the Sun Devils begin their regular-season campaign on the road against Lindenwood University. An interim head coach is expected to be named shortly.
In a public statement, Powers expressed support for the university’s choice to step aside while the incident is reviewed. “I support the University’s decision to place me on administrative leave while the circumstances surrounding the August 20 workout are reviewed,” Powers said. “I believe this will allow the review to proceed thoroughly, independently and without distraction. I intend to cooperate fully.”
External Reactions and Investigations
The tragedy has drawn widespread attention outside of Tempe. Arizona federal lawmakers, including Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, publicly called for a comprehensive, independent investigation. They want to ensure accountability and protect student-athletes from future risks. Additionally, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) released a statement supporting ASU’s review process, emphasizing that player well-being supersedes athletic competition.
While the ASU Police Department conducts an internal inquiry, family attorney Rob Carey and player advocates continue to push for an independent third-party investigation to examine institutional responsibility. As the Sun Devils navigate the start of their season, the hockey community remains focused on Mayich’s condition and the pursuit of answers surrounding the tragic summer workout.
