Full Breakdown
Arizona State Hockey Player’s Heatstroke Sparks Calls for Coach Leave
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
During a summer conditioning session for the Arizona State University (ASU) men’s hockey team, 21-year-old forward Matthew Mayich collapsed and was diagnosed with severe external heatstroke. His parents, John and Christina Mayich, have asked ASU President Michael Crow to place the coaches who oversaw the workout on administrative leave while an independent investigation proceeds.
Disputed Workout Conditions
ASU’s internal report described ambient temperatures between 86 °F and 89 °F with relative humidity ranging from 46 % to 51 % during the session. Players who sent a separate letter allege those figures understate the actual environment, noting that the afternoon high reached 104 °F. The letter also claims emergency cooling equipment was absent, that extra exercise was used as punishment, and that the Army veteran leading the drills left before the final event, leaving supervision to ASU coaches and the athletic trainer.
Official Responses
The university’s September report states an athletic trainer assessed Mayich, applied iced towels and cool water, called 911, and directed teammates to move him to shade. Head coach Greg Powers later described the incident as “just a little heat stroke” of a type he had seen before. Powers declined to answer detailed questions in a recent media session. State education committee chairs Matt Gress and Hildy Angius have echoed the players’ concerns, urging the Arizona Board of Regents to retain an independent investigator.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is incapacitated with no chance of recovery,” — Rob Carey, family attorney
- “We need an independent investigation to determine whether ASU followed its own rules, who was responsible for protecting these athletes, and what happened when Matthew Mayich showed signs of distress,” — Matt Gress, education committee chairman