ASU hockey coach is put on leave; hospitalized player is unlikely to recover, family attorney says
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- Arizona State University has placed hockey coach Greg Powers on leave after player Matthew Mayich collapsed from extreme heatstroke during a summer workout and remains on life support with little chance of recovery.
- Mayich’s family and seven hockey players have called for the entire coaching staff to be put on administrative leave and for an independent investigation, citing negligence and unsafe workout conditions.
- The players allege the workout occurred in dangerously high temperatures without proper emergency equipment or adequate breaks, and claim fear of retaliation from coaches who control playing time and scholarships.
- ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini emphasized support for Mayich and the team while continuing to gather information, with Assistant Coach Mike Corbett leading the team temporarily and an interim head coach to be named soon.
- The situation has drawn criticism over the handling of heat-related safety protocols, with calls for transparency and accountability as Mayich’s family hopes for a miracle recovery.
