The short version
- Arizona State University has placed hockey head coach Greg Powers on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
- Player Matthew Mayich suffered severe brain damage from external heat stroke during a practice in 89-degree weather and is unlikely to recover.
- Student-athletes and the player's family have called for independent oversight, citing discrepancies in initial university inquiries and lack of emergency cooling resources.
Arizona State University has removed head hockey coach Greg Powers from his duties as part of an ongoing administrative review. The decision follows a severe medical incident involving student-athlete Matthew Mayich, who collapsed during an outdoor conditioning session in August. According to the university’s athletic director, Graham Rossini, the move is intended to provide stability for the program while the institution gathers comprehensive information regarding the event.
Mayich, a 21-year-old forward, suffered from external heat stroke that significantly reduced oxygen flow to his brain. His family attorney, Rob Carey, stated that Mayich is unlikely to recover from the injuries sustained during the incident. The collapse occurred during a workout conducted in temperatures reaching 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Carey indicated that Mayich exhibited signs of physical distress prior to falling unconscious, suggesting that warning indicators were present before the critical failure.
A central point of contention involves the availability of emergency medical resources at the scene. Carey asserted that no cold water immersion tub was accessible during the practice, a standard tool often utilized for rapid cooling in cases of severe overheating. The absence of such equipment has drawn scrutiny regarding the safety protocols implemented during high-temperature training sessions. The outdoor nature of the workout, combined with the extreme heat, created conditions that contributed to the physiological stress experienced by the athlete.
The practice session was overseen by Tim Ziesel, a Green Beret who led the conditioning exercises. Reports indicate that Ziesel did not hold a formal contract with Arizona State University at the time of the incident. This lack of official affiliation raises questions about accountability and oversight for personnel conducting athletic training without direct university employment status. The role of non-contracted staff in student-athlete preparation has become a focal point as the scope of the investigation expands.
Student-athletes have taken active steps to demand transparency and accountability. Seven players submitted a letter to Arizona State President Michael Crow on Monday, urging the administration to place all coaches involved in the workout on administrative leave. The students called for an independent investigation to conclude before any personnel decisions are finalized. They highlighted specific discrepancies found in the university’s initial inquiry, suggesting that internal reviews may have overlooked critical details regarding safety failures.
Mayich’s parents, John and Christina Mayich, issued a public statement supporting their son’s teammates. They agreed with the players’ assessment that the coaching staff should be removed from their positions pending a thorough examination of the events. The family’s alignment with the student-athletes underscores a unified demand for rigorous scrutiny of the practices that led to the injury. Their involvement adds significant pressure on the university administration to ensure a comprehensive and impartial review process.
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference expressed support for Arizona State University’s decision to place Powers on leave. The conference stated that its thoughts remain with Mayich, his family, and his teammates during this difficult period. By endorsing the administrative action, the NCHC acknowledges the seriousness of the situation while allowing the university to manage its internal affairs. This external validation may influence how other collegiate athletic programs review their own heat safety protocols.
Greg Powers declined to answer questions from reporters regarding the incident last week, offering no public comment on the allegations or the circumstances surrounding Mayich’s collapse. His silence has contributed to speculation about his involvement and knowledge of the conditions during the practice. As the season begins, the hockey program faces the dual challenge of managing athletic performance while navigating the legal and ethical implications of the tragedy.
The university continues to prioritize support for student-athletes affected by the incident. Rossini emphasized that the administration is focused on ensuring that players receive necessary assistance as they prepare for the upcoming season. The investigation remains ongoing, with no timeline provided for its conclusion. The outcome will likely determine future safety standards for outdoor practices in extreme weather conditions across collegiate sports.
This case highlights broader concerns about athlete safety in high-heat environments. The combination of intense physical exertion, inadequate cooling resources, and potential oversight gaps presents significant risks. As the investigation proceeds, stakeholders are watching closely to see how Arizona State addresses these systemic issues. The resolution may set a precedent for how universities handle similar incidents involving environmental hazards during training.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Arizona State hockey coach on leave after practice that left player fighting for life
