Arizona State University (ASU) hockey coach Greg Powers has been placed on administrative leave with pay following concerns raised by teammates of NHL prospect Matthew Mayich regarding the school’s investigation into the incident where Mayich collapsed during a team workout last month. ASU athletics director Graham Rossini emphasized the priority of supporting Mayich and his family, as well as providing necessary assistance to student athletes as the season commences.
Rossini stated that after careful consideration and gathering of information, the decision to place the coach on leave was made to ensure stability within the hockey program. A recent review, conducted by ASU official James Rund, revealed that Mayich, a 21-year-old player from Hamilton, collapsed during a training session on August 20 at Sun Angel Stadium without a pre-reviewed plan from the hockey coaches. Mayich remains hospitalized in critical condition.
In the interim, ASU assistant hockey coach Mike Corbett will lead the team for the upcoming season opener, with an announcement for an interim head coach expected soon. The move to place Powers on leave follows a letter from seven team members urging the coaching staff to be suspended pending an independent investigation into Mayich’s collapse.
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) has expressed support for ASU’s decision to sideline Powers during the probe into Mayich’s situation, emphasizing the importance of addressing the athletes’ concerns and conducting a thorough review without bias. The NCHC pledges to maintain communication with ASU throughout the review process to ensure the protection and welfare of student athletes.
