ASU hockey coach put on leave amid investigation into Matthew Mayich's collapse
Head coach Greg Powers of Arizona State University Sun Devils on the bench during a game against the University of Denver Pioneers at Mullett Arena on February 07, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Zac BonDurant/Getty Images)
TEMPE, Ariz. - Greg Powers, the head coach of Arizona State University hockey, has been placed on administrative leave after one of his players collapsed during an outdoor team workout on campus.
What they're saying:
In a statement on Sept. 30, ASU said assistant coach Mike Corbett would take over as the team's season opens this weekend. An interim head coach will be named at a later date.
"Our focus continues to be on Matthew and his family, and on our student-athletes to make sure they have the support they need during this time and as the season begins," ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini said. "We have continued to collect as much information as possible. After thorough and careful deliberation, I believe this is the best move to provide stability for the hockey program."
National Collegiate Hockey Conference statement
The backstory:
Matthew Mayich, 21, collapsed during an outdoor workout on the morning of Aug. 20 that was led by a former Green Beret.
The workout occurred at Sun Angel Stadium on the university campus. The emergency call came out at 8:31 a.m. The temperature was in the mid-80s at the time, with 51% humidity. By the time Mayich arrived at the hospital, he was in critical condition and in a coma, where he remains.
ASU hockey players anonymously dispute university report after Matthew Mayich collapses
Seven anonymous ASU hockey players sent a letter challenging an internal report on Matthew Mayich's Aug. 20 collapse, demanding an external probe and calling for the coaching staff to be placed on administrative leave.
The St. Louis Blues drafted Mayich in 2023, but he made a pit stop before entering the professional ranks to join the college hockey team at ASU.
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from a statement by Arizona State University posted to their website on Sept. 30, 2026, and previous FOX 10 reports on Matthew Mayich's collapse during team practice.