Arizona State University placed hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave Wednesday as the school investigates the collapse and continued hospitalization of a transfer player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout in August.
As reported by The Associated Press, Powers will not join the team for its season opener at Lindenwood on Friday in the wake of the Aug. 20 collapse of Mayich, a sophomore defenseman and Ontario native who transferred to ASU from Clarkson, located in Potsdam, N.Y. Assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team against Lindenwood, and an interim coach will be named soon, per the AP report.
“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 athletic director Graham 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. He suffered from exertional heat stroke that reduced flow of oxygen to his brain and is unlikely to recover, according to family attorney Rob Carey.
The Arizona State police department is investigating the incident, and a report will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review when completed.
“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,” Powers said in a statement. ”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.”
Arizona’s House and Senate education committee chairs also called for an independent investigation of Arizona State’s hockey workout after reading a letter sent Monday to ASU president Michael Crow from seven players. That letter urged the school to place the coaches involved in the workout on administrative leave until an independent investigation is concluded. The letter also called out discrepancies from an initial probe by the university.
Related: Arizona State Hockey Players Dispute School's Review of Teammate's Collapse
"The players sent the letter anonymously through an attorney, fearing retribution from the coaching staff," the AP's John Marshall reported. "They said several other players didn’t join the letter out of fear of retribution."
“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,” Powers said. “I care deeply about these young men and their well-being, and I will respect whatever they choose to share through that process.”
Mayich’s parents, John and Christina Mayich, issued a statement on Tuesday agreeing with the players that the coaching staff should be placed on leave and called from an independent investigation, per Marshall's AP report.
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference, of which Arizona State is one of 10 members, released its own statement: “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. Our thoughts remain with Matthew, his family and teammates.”
