ASU Hockey Players Ask for Greg Powers to Be Placed on Leave After Matthew Mayich Collapse
Seven Arizona State men’s hockey players have asked the university to place head coach Greg Powers and members of his coaching staff on administrative leave while an outside investigation examines the circumstances surrounding teammate Matthew Mayich’s collapse during an August workout.
The players made the request in a 26-page letter sent anonymously to ASU President Michael Crow on September 28 through an attorney. They said they fear potential retaliation because the coaching staff remains responsible for decisions involving playing time, scholarships and roster positions.
The letter challenges several aspects of Arizona State’s preliminary review of the August 20 workout, including the players’ accounts of hydration and the medical response after Mayich collapsed.
According to the players’ account, Mayich did not receive water during the workout and they believe he did not receive adequate medical attention immediately after going down. Those claims conflict with portions of the university’s initial review, which was released September 21.
Players Dispute What Happened During the Workout
The workout was conducted outdoors and involved third-party trainer Tim Ziesel, a former Green Beret who had been brought into the program.
The players’ letter alleges that water access during the session was limited and that Mayich showed signs of distress before ultimately collapsing.
They also dispute aspects of the university’s timeline and characterization of the workout, arguing that important details surrounding hydration, heat conditions and the response to Mayich’s condition were not accurately reflected in the initial review.
The university’s review acknowledged issues surrounding the workout and ASU’s procedures, while stating that its purpose was fact-finding and identifying steps to improve student-athlete safety. It did not assign individual responsibility for the incident.
Questions About the Response
The players also described concerns about what happened after Mayich collapsed.
In their letter, they say Powers characterized Mayich’s condition as a relatively minor case of heat stroke and reassured players afterward that he would be okay.
The players said those comments did not reflect what they believed was the seriousness of Mayich’s condition at the time. These are allegations contained in the players’ letter and have not been independently established.
Mayich collapsed during the August 20 workout and remains hospitalized. His family’s attorney has described the incident as exertional heatstroke that caused a severe lack of oxygen to his brain.
Players Want an Independent Investigation
The seven players are asking ASU to take the investigation outside the university and to place the staff members involved with approving, conducting or supervising the workout on leave while that process takes place.
They are also seeking protection against retaliation if their identities become known.
Arizona State has acknowledged receiving the players’ letter. The university has already conducted an initial internal review, while ASU police have also been investigating the incident.
Powers has previously addressed the media about the situation but said he could not answer questions about the incident while the investigation was ongoing.
The developments come just days before Arizona State is scheduled to begin its 2026-27 season against Lindenwood.
The central questions surrounding the August 20 workout now face renewed scrutiny as the players’ account challenges the university’s preliminary findings and calls for an independent examination of what happened.
