TEMPE — Arizona State placed men's hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave on Wednesday as the university investigates the collapse of transfer player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout on Aug. 20. Powers will not join the team for its season opener at Lindenwood on Friday, with assistant coach Mike Corbett set to lead the Sun Devils and an interim coach to be named soon.
Athletic director Graham Rossini said the decision followed extensive information gathering. “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,” Rossini said in a statement. “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.”
The 21-year-old Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout on the first day the NCAA allows official activities. According to family attorney Rob Carey, he suffered external heat stroke that reduced flow of oxygen to his brain and is unlikely to recover. Seven players sent a letter to university President Michael Crow on Monday urging the school to place the coaches involved in the workout on administrative leave until an independent investigation is concluded, citing discrepancies from an initial probe by the university. Mayich's parents, John and Christina Mayich, issued a statement Tuesday agreeing that the coaching staff should be placed on leave.
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference said it supports the move. “The NCHC supports Arizona State University's decision to place head coach Greg Powers on leave while the circumstances surrounding Matthew Mayich's trauma are examined,” the conference said in a statement. “Our thoughts remain with Matthew, his family and teammates.” Mayich, who was born in Hamilton, was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL draft but did not sign an entry-level contract. He played four seasons with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League before spending last season at Clarkson University and transferring to Arizona State for the upcoming season.