Seven members of the Arizona State University Sun Devils men’s hockey team have formally asked university President Michael Crow to place head coach Greg Powers and his assistants on administrative leave. The request follows a training session on Aug. 20 that left sophomore forward Matthew Mayich on life support after he collapsed during a 75‑minute workout.
Letter details and player concerns
The athletes submitted a 26‑page letter, filed through an attorney, citing fears of retaliation if they identified themselves. In the letter they state that the coaching staff controls playing time, scholarship levels and roster status, and that they should not have to choose between speaking the truth about the incident and preserving their collegiate careers.
According to the players, the workout was led by an ex‑U.S. Army Green Beret who failed to provide adequate hydration and medical oversight. While the university’s internal review reported a water break about 20 minutes into the session, the players claim the break occurred only after roughly 40 minutes and lasted merely a few seconds. They say only eight of the 20 participants managed to drink water before being ordered back to continue the drill.
Allegations of inadequate medical response
The letter alleges that Mayich showed signs of distress early in the exercise, becoming disoriented during a bear‑crawl drill and being unable to assist a teammate during a buddy‑carry. The players assert that no coach or trainer monitored his condition, and that when he finally collapsed he remained in direct sunlight for several minutes before teammates carried him into the shade.
Mayich was subsequently moved to a hospital where he was placed on a ventilator and remains in a coma. The athletes note that the only cooling measures available were towels, water bottles and a garden hose, despite Arizona’s August temperatures regularly reaching triple‑digit Fahrenheit.
University’s investigation and coach’s response
ASU’s initial investigation concluded that Mayich did not receive proper hydration and that medical care after his collapse was insufficient. The review also stated that he sat upright twice after collapsing, a detail the players dispute, insisting he was left in the sun for minutes before being shaded.
Coach Powers has not spoken publicly about the incident, citing the “difficult time” it has caused the program. Players claim the coach initially downplayed Mayich’s condition, describing it as a “little heat stroke” while emphasizing the team’s progress toward the Frozen Four.
Next steps for the program
The Sun Devils are scheduled to open the 2026‑27 season on Friday against Lindenwood. The players hope their letter will prompt a thorough, independent review and appropriate action to ensure athlete safety moving forward.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
