Arizona State University has placed men’s hockey head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave following the August 20 collapse of defenseman Matthew Mayich during an outdoor team workout. Mayich, a 21-year-old sophomore from Ontario, Canada, remains hospitalized on life support and is described by his family’s attorney as unlikely to recover, according to multiple reports.
Assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team for its season opener against Lindenwood on Friday, with an interim head coach expected to be named in the coming days. ASU athletic director Graham Rossini stated the decision was made to provide "stability for the hockey program" while the investigation proceeds.
Immediate Actions and Official Statements
ASU confirmed Powers’ leave in a statement Wednesday, emphasizing that the focus remains on Mayich and his family. Rossini noted that the university has "continued to collect as much information as possible" before making the decision. Powers issued his own statement expressing support for the review process and stating his intention to "cooperate fully."
The university did not specify the duration of Powers’ leave but confirmed that Corbett will serve as acting head coach for the season opener. An interim replacement is expected to be named shortly, though no timeline was provided.
Details of the Incident and Medical Status
Mayich collapsed during a summer conditioning session on August 20 while participating in a "wind-down" exercise involving running with a medicine ball at an outdoor facility. According to ASU’s incident report, Mayich appeared to struggle while running, stumbled, dropped the medicine ball, and fell to the ground. He attempted to resume running but collapsed again, prompting coaches and an athletic trainer to intervene.
The report states Mayich was initially responsive but his condition deteriorated rapidly. The workout occurred when temperatures ranged between 86 and 89 degrees, though the National Weather Service recorded a high of over 100 degrees that day. The school has not publicly addressed whether heat index or humidity factors were considered in the workout’s planning.
Mayich’s family, represented by attorney Rob Carey, has stated since the incident that the entire coaching staff should have been placed on leave. Carey alleged in interviews that the coaching staff "did nothing right" and described the workout as a preventable failure that led to Mayich’s condition. The family has not ruled out pursuing legal action, according to Carey’s statements.
Team and Program Responses
Seven members of the Sun Devil hockey program recently sent a 26-page letter to ASU President Michael Crow, via their attorney, disputing aspects of the university’s initial review. The letter, obtained by The Athletic, argued that the coaching staff involved in the workout—including Powers and his assistants—remained in their positions despite the incident. The signees stated they should not be forced to choose between "telling the truth" and keeping their positions, suggesting potential internal dissent within the program.
Powers has led the Arizona State hockey program since its transition to NCAA Division I in the 2015-16 season. The team’s season opener against Lindenwood marks the first competitive game since the incident, with Corbett at the helm.
Ongoing Investigation and Unanswered Questions
ASU has not released further details about the investigation’s scope or timeline. The university has not responded to requests for comment regarding the family’s demands for an independent inquiry or the allegations made by the seven players. The incident has raised broader questions about heat safety protocols, coaching accountability, and institutional responses to medical emergencies in collegiate athletics.
Mayich, a prospect for the St. Louis Blues, had been a key defenseman for the Sun Devils prior to the collapse. His long-term prognosis remains uncertain, with his family reportedly seeking a "miracle" while preparing for all possible outcomes.