ASU Places Hockey Coach Greg Powers on Paid Administrative Leave

Overview

• A preseason outdoor workout on Aug. 20 left defenseman Matthew Mayich critically injured with suspected exertional heat stroke and he remains hospitalized with a very poor prognosis.
• Seven players sent a 26‑page anonymous letter saying the Aug. 20 session lacked water and adequate cooling, that athletes were pushed to keep exerting, and that some players fear retaliation for speaking up.
• Arizona State’s preliminary internal review found the coaching staff did not submit a training plan and that the session was led by outside instructor Tim Ziesel without a formal contract, but it did not assign individual blame.
• The university put head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave, named assistant Mike Corbett to run the team for now, and said it will appoint an interim head coach soon; the NCHC publicly backed ASU’s decision.
• The ASU Police Department is completing a criminal assessment expected to go to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the family continues to press for an independent external investigation, a step that could affect university policies on outside consultants and athlete safety rules.