A crisis mismanaged: Inside 57 days of tragedy and turmoil at Arizona State

Key Points:

• On Aug. 20, Matthew Mayich, a sophomore on the Arizona State men’s hockey team, collapsed during a preseason workout and suffered exertional heat stroke; he remains on life support with no chance of recovery.
• Arizona State initially conducted an internal review led by senior vice president James Rund, which found policy violations but held no one responsible, sparking criticism from Mayich’s family and players who feared retaliation for speaking out.
• Head coach Greg Powers and his staff remained in control for weeks despite calls for their removal; Powers was placed on paid administrative leave on Day 42, shortly before the season opener, amid mounting pressure and a letter from players requesting his suspension.
• Former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales was retained for an independent review after intense public and political pressure, including statements from U.S. senators demanding transparency and accountability.
• Powers officially parted ways with ASU on Day 56, receiving a separation agreement, and Dave Hakstol was named the new permanent head coach; meanwhile, the investigation into the workout and Mayich’s collapse continues as the team navigates a fractured locker room and ongoing scrutiny.