Full Breakdown
Arizona State Hockey Coach Placed on Leave After Player’s Heat-Stroke Collapse
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
On August 20, Arizona State University held an outdoor preseason workout for its men’s hockey team at Sun Angel Stadium in Tempe. The session, described by the university as a “team-building” drill, was led by former Green Beret Tim Ziesel, who was not under contract with the school. During the exercise, 21-year-old defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed and was later diagnosed with exertional heat stroke that severely reduced oxygen flow to his brain.
Timeline
- April 14, 2026: Mayich transfers to ASU from Clarkson University.
- August 20: Outdoor workout; Mayich collapses shortly before 8:30 a.m.
- September 22: ASU releases an internal review that assigns no blame and notes a single water break about 20 minutes into the session.
- September 28: Seven players submit a 26-page anonymous letter to President Michael Crow, disputing the review and requesting staff be placed on administrative leave.
- September 30: Athletic Director Graham Rossini announces head coach Greg Powers is placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
- October 2: ASU’s season opener against Lindenwood is set to proceed with assistant coach Mike Corbett acting as head coach.
Data & Statistics
- The workout lasted between 45 minutes and roughly an hour.
- University temperature data list highs of 86–89 °F with humidity of 46–51 %; players cite a National Weather Service high of 104 °F that day.
- Mayich received no cold-water immersion tub or ice, a requirement of ASU’s exertional-heat policy.
- Seven of the 28-man roster (about 25 %) signed the letter, citing fear of retaliation because the coaching staff controls playing time, scholarships and roster status.
Criticism & Opposition
Rob Carey, representing Mayich’s family, argues that removing only Powers “doesn’t solve the problem” because associate coach Alex Hicks remains in charge of the locker room. He also characterizes the university’s internal report as “more advocacy than fact-finding.”
State education committee chairs Matt Gress and Hildy Angius have called for an independent investigation, stating, “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.”
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell noted that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will review the ASU Police Department’s findings once the internal investigation concludes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Water provision: The university’s review reports a water break at the 20-minute mark; the players’ letter claims no water was given to Mayich or most teammates until a brief break 35–45 minutes into the session.
- Temperature data: ASU cites 86–89 °F; players and some media sources reference a high of 104 °F, suggesting the university’s off-site weather station may have under-reported conditions.
- Workout duration: The university describes the session as a three-day exercise lasting about 45 minutes; the players describe a continuous 75-minute drill with minimal rest.
- Medical response: The university notes that an athletic trainer applied iced towels and called 911; players allege Mayich was left in direct sunlight for several minutes and was not immersed in ice water, contrary to policy.
What’s Next
ASU’s police department continues its internal investigation, with findings slated for review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. An interim head coach will be appointed pending the outcome, and the Sun Devils will open their 2026-27 season on October 2 against Lindenwood. The National Collegiate Hockey Conference has pledged to stay in contact with the university as the review proceeds.