Arizona State University has placed head hockey coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave. This action follows the August 20 collapse of student-athlete Matthew Mayich during a team training session on campus.
The 8:31 a.m. collapse at Sun Angel Stadium
On August 20, 21-year-old Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor team workout at Arizona State University's Sun Angel Stadium. According to his family attorney, Rob Carey, Mayich suffered an exertional heat stroke that led to a lack of oxygen to the brain, leaving the athlete in a coma. At the time of the emergency call at 8:31 a.m., temperatures were in the mid-80s with 51 percent humidity, conditions that can quickly become lethal during high-intensity exercise.
By the time Matthew Mayich reached the hospital, he was already in critical condition. Athletics Director Graham Rossini announced the decision to place Greg Powers on leave to provide stability for the program while the Arizona State University Police Department and university officials continue their investigation into the incident.
Seven players' demand for an external probe
The decisioon to sideline Greg Powers comes amid mounting pressure from within the locker room. As reported in the source, seven anonymous Arizona State University hockey players sent a letter to university president Michael Crow demanding an independent investigation into the events. These athletes described the August 20 session as "military-style ," alleging that those who lagged behind were forced to perform additional work despite the extreme heat.
This internal revolt highlights a growing tension between traditional "toughness" coaching and modern athlete safety standards. The players' request for the removal of the coaching staff was echoed by Matthew Mayich's parents, John and Christina, who argued that the staff must be removed to ensure players can speak freely without fear of retaliation from their superiors. This dynamic suggests a culture of fear that may have discouraged athletes from speaking up about the heat conditions before the collapse occurred.
The St. Louis Blues' 170th overall pick
The tragedy is compounded by the professional trajectory of Matthew Mayich. The 21-year-old was selected 170th overall by the St. Louis Blues during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Mayich had chosen to play for Arizona State University to refine his game before transitioning to the professional ranks,making his current critical condition a devastating blow to both his family and his future career in the NHL.
The loss of a drafted prospect creates a ripple effect beyond the university, impacting the St. Louis Blues' long-term developmental pipeline. The transition from college hockey to the professional level is designed to be a bridge of growth, but in this instance, it has become a site of medical catastrophe.
The missing training plan and the role of Ziesel
A critical point of contention in the ongoing investigation involves the authorization of the workout's curriculum.. According to the report, team personnel had requested permission for an individual named Ziesel to speak with the team, yet allegedly failed to submit a formal training plan for review by the university's strength and conditioning coach. This suggests a potential breakdown in the safety oversight protocols designed to prevent heat-related injuries.
Several key details remain unverified or missing from the public record.. It is currently unclear exactly who Ziesel is or what their specific relationship to the Arizona State University hockey program entails. Furthermore, while Athletics Director Graham Rossini stated that the university is collecting information, it remains to be seen if the "independent investigation" demanded by the players and the Mayich family will be conducted by an outside firm or remain an internal matter handled by the ASU Police Department.
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