ASU hockey coach put on leave amid investigation into Matthew Mayich's collapse

TEMPE, Ariz. - Greg Powers, the head coach of Arizona State University hockey, has been placed on administrative leave after one of his players collapsed during an outdoor team workout on campus.

The backstory:

Matthew Mayich, 21, collapsed during an outdoor workout on the morning of Aug. 20 that was led by a former Green Beret.

The workout occurred at Sun Angel Stadium on the university campus. The emergency call came out at 8:31 a.m. The temperature was in the mid-80s at the time, with 51% humidity. By the time Mayich arrived at the hospital, he was in critical condition and in a coma, where he remains.

The St. Louis Blues drafted Mayich in 2023, but he made a pit stop before entering the professional ranks to join the college hockey team at ASU.

"He’s on life support. They’re holding up as best. You can imagine which is not great, but nothing’s gonna change really. They’re hoping for a miracle," said Rob Casey, the Mayich family attorney.

Teammates Speak Out:

On Monday, a handful of other hockey players sent a letter to ASU disputing some of the details. They insisted the workout, led by a former Green Beret, was rigorous, long, and with limited access to water.

The players' letter caught the attention of State Rep. Matt Gress, who's now asking the Board of Regents to do its own investigation. The board has oversight of universities in Arizona.

"If there were adults responsible for upholding the practices laid out already by ASU not doing their job, then they should be held accountable," Gress said. 

Some players still object to the fact that the interim coach, Mike Corbett, and other assistant coaches, are still actively part of the team, and fear retribution for speaking out.

"There were multiple adults involved in overseeing that practice where athletes were vomiting, unable to stand, etc. so there may be concerns about the judgment of the broader coaching staff that issue will need to review," Gress said. 

What they're saying:

In a statement on Sept. 30, ASU said assistant coach Mike Corbett would take over as the team's season opens this weekend. An interim head coach will be named at a later date.

"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," ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini said. "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."

Greg Powers statement

"Matthew and his family remain foremost in my thoughts and prayers. What happened to Matthew has deeply affected everyone in our program, and I continue to hope for strength and healing for him and his family.

I support the University’s decision to place me on administrative leave while the circumstances surrounding the August 20 workout are reviewed. I believe this will allow the review to proceed thoroughly, independently and without distraction. I intend to cooperate fully and want a process that Matthew, our players, their families and the broader ASU community can have confidence in.

I respect our players’ right to speak openly and honestly about their experiences, and I want every player to feel completely free to participate candidly in the review. I care deeply about these young men and their well-being, and I will respect whatever they choose to share through that process.

I always have and always will care deeply about this team, this program and the people in it. For now, the players deserve the opportunity to focus on one another, on Matthew and on the season ahead. I will support them from a distance while the facts are carefully examined and the process moves forward."

National Collegiate Hockey Conference statement

Dig deeper:

"Long overdue. This should’ve happened from day one. It’s standard protocol when you’re talking about crisis like this to put people on unpaid administrative leave and bring in a professional investigator," Casey said.

FOX 10 reached out to the ASU Police Department on Sept. 30, but did not hear back. ASU police are continuing to investigate the situation.

ASU released a statement saying: "Our focus continues to be on Matthew and his family and the other student athletes to make sure they have the support they need at this time as the season begins."

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