Full Breakdown
Arizona State Hockey Coach Placed on Leave After Player’s Heat-Stroke Collapse
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident and Immediate Action
On August 20 a 21-year-old sophomore defenseman, Matthew Mayich, collapsed during an outdoor preseason workout at Sun Angel Stadium. The university placed head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave on September 30, 2026 while it investigates. Assistant coach Mike Corbett will assume head-coaching duties for the season opener, and an interim head coach will be named soon.
Background & Context
The workout, described by players as “grueling” and “military-style,” was led by former Green Beret Tim Ziesel. Arizona State’s exertional-heat policy requires progressive acclimatization, frequent rest periods, and unrestricted access to fluids, and bars outside consultants from working with athletes without prior approval.
Data & Statistics
- Player: Matthew Mayich – 21, sophomore transfer from Ontario, Canada.
- Workout duration: roughly 75 minutes of continuous activity.
- Ambient conditions: mid-80s °F with 51 % humidity.
- Reported water provision: players allege a single water break at 35–45 minutes; the university’s internal report cites a break at the 20-minute mark.
- Cooling equipment on site: Powerade towels, squirt bottles, and a garden hose with warm water; no cold-water immersion tub was present.
Official Statements & Responses
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that the ASU Police Department’s probe will be forwarded to the county attorney’s office for “review at the highest level.”
Player and Family Demands (Criticism & Opposition)
Seven unnamed players submitted a 26-page letter to President Michael Crow on September 28, requesting that all staff involved be placed on administrative leave pending an independent investigation. Attorney Tim Casey filed the letter, warning of retaliation and citing policy breaches. Robert Carey, representing the Mayich family, said removing only Powers “doesn’t solve the problem.”
On-the-Ground Accounts
The letter claims Mayich received no water, was left in direct sunlight after collapsing, and was cooled only with towels and a warm hose. It also attributes the comment, “Oh yeah, I forgot, you guys need water,” to Ziesel. The university’s review contends Mayich struggled only during the final medicine-ball relay and that a trainer kept him upright, a point the players dispute.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Water breaks: University report – break at 20 minutes; players – first break 35–45 minutes, with Mayich never receiving water.
- Training plan approval: ASU policy requires consultant approval; an internal memo shows a request submitted in August without a reviewed plan, but does not confirm approval.
- Cooling equipment: Policy mandates a cold-water immersion tub; players report none was present, while the university’s summary mentions “iced towels and cold water” without specifying a tub.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But the coaches who ran that workout on August 20 need to be removed while an independent investigation gets to the truth.” — Maricopa County Attorney
- “Matthew and his family remain foremost in my thoughts and prayers,” — Greg Powers
- “Oh yeah, I forgot, you guys need water,” — Tim Ziesel
What’s Next
Arizona State’s men’s hockey team will open its 2026-27 season at 5 p.m. on October 2 against Lindenwood. An interim head coach will be appointed before the game, and the ASU Police Department’s findings will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for further review. The players and Mayich’s family continue to call for an independent investigation into compliance with heat-stroke protocols.
