ASU Hockey Probe Demanded
ASU Hockey Players Demand Coach Leave and Independent Probe Into Teammate Collapse
Anonymous
Seven anonymous Arizona State men’s hockey players asked President Michael Crow to place head coach Greg Powers and other staff on administrative leave, appoint an interim coach and commission an independent investigation into teammate Matthew Mayich’s collapse during an Aug. 20 outdoor workout. In a letter, they disputed the university’s preliminary account, alleging the session lasted more than 75 minutes, Mayich received no water, players were exercised as punishment, and he showed signs of distress before collapsing; they also questioned whether the instructor was properly approved and whether heat-safety and emergency procedures were followed. ASU’s initial review found coaches had not vetted the workout plan but did not assign responsibility. The players said they feared retaliation because coaches controlled their playing time, scholarships and roster status. Mayich remains hospitalized after exertional heatstroke and a catastrophic brain injury, and his family’s attorney has said he is unlikely to recover. A police investigation remains open, and Arizona lawmakers have also called for an independent review.
Key Points
1
The players said Powers initially minimized Mayich’s condition as “just a little heat stroke” and, after the ambulance left, told them the workout and Mayich pushing himself had brought the team closer to making the Frozen Four.
2
The players said other teammates shared their concerns but chose not to sign the letter because they, too, feared retaliation.
3
When the police investigation is complete, its report is to be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review.
4
Head coach Greg Powers did not answer questions about the workout or Mayich’s condition at the team’s media day.
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