ASU Places Hockey Coach on Leave Amid Investigation

Arizona State placed men’s hockey coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave as it investigates an Aug. 20 outdoor workout during which 21-year-old defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed and suffered exertional heatstroke and a catastrophic brain injury; his family’s attorney says he is unlikely to recover. Seven players, writing anonymously, had asked the university to place Powers and other staff on leave and commission an independent investigation, disputing ASU’s initial account and alleging the workout lasted more than 75 minutes, Mayich received no water and showed signs of distress, and safety procedures were lacking. They said they feared retaliation, while Mayich’s parents also urged the school to remove the coaches involved and said they want the team to continue its season. ASU said the leave was intended to provide stability and support for players; assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team in its season opener, with an interim coach to be named later. A police investigation remains open, and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference said the players’ concerns should be thoroughly reviewed.