Brief
Arizona State puts hockey coach Greg Powers on leave after player collapse
The university suspended Powers while investigating the August 20 heat‑stroke incident that left 21‑year‑old Matthew Mayich critically ill.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Arizona State University placed men’s hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave on Wednesday as it investigates the August 20 collapse of defenseman Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout, according to both Independent and Bleacher Report.
What happened
Mayich, 21, suffered external heat stroke during the first day the NCAA allowed official activities outdoors. He collapsed on the university’s campus and, per family attorney Rob Carey, is unlikely to recover. The incident prompted the university to suspend Powers pending the investigation.
Assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team in its season‑opening game against Lindenwood on Friday, and an interim head coach will be named soon.
What the reports add
The Independent noted that seven teammates sent a letter to university president Michael Crow on Monday urging the school to place the coaches on leave. Bleacher Report repeated this detail and added that the players’ letter was part of broader calls from Mayich’s parents, John and Christina Mayich, for administrative action.
What was said
ASU athletic director Graham Rossini said in a statement, "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," and added, "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." Both outlets quoted Rossini verbatim.
How it came about
The collapse follows weeks of scrutiny after Mayich’s family and teammates demanded the coaches be suspended. Felo News previously covered the teammates’ letter and the family’s appeal in its September 29 article, which reported the same calls for administrative leave and the ongoing police investigation.
Key facts
- Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave by Arizona State University. (independent.co.uk)
- Defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed from external heat stroke on August 20 during an outdoor workout. (independent.co.uk)
- Assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team in the season opener against Lindenwood. (bleacherreport.com)
- Athletic director Graham Rossini issued a statement focusing on support for Mayich’s family and the investigation. (bleacherreport.com)
- Seven players wrote a letter to President Michael Crow requesting the coaches be placed on leave. (independent.co.uk)
Timeline
- 2026-08-20 — Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout.
- 2026-09-29 — Felo News reported teammates' letter and family calls for coach suspension.
- 2026-09-30 — Arizona State placed coach Greg Powers on administrative leave.
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