Arizona State Hockey Players Demand Coaching Staff Leave After Teammate Collapse
Seven Arizona State University hockey players have formally requested that the school’s coaching staff be placed on administrative leave following the collapse of teammate Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout on August 20. Represented by attorney Timothy J. Casey, the anonymous group sent a letter to university president Michael Crow, alleging that the coaching staff’s continued presence creates an environment of fear that prevents a transparent investigation into the incident.
Discrepancies Between Player Accounts and University Findings
The letter challenges the accuracy of Arizona State’s internal review of the August 20 training session. While the university reported that players received a water break approximately 20 minutes into the workout, the players claim the break did not occur until the 40-minute mark of the 75-minute session. The players stated that only a small group who completed a bear crawl drill first were allowed to hydrate, while others—including Mayich—were denied access to fluids.
Additional allegations include that Mayich appeared disoriented well before the university’s timeline suggests and that he was not provided with adequate cooling measures after his collapse. The players claim that head coach Greg Powers downplayed the severity of the situation at the time, telling the team that Mayich suffered “just a little heat stroke” and would be back for practice the following day.
Calls for Independent Oversight and Interim Coaching
House education committee chairman Matt Gress and Arizona’s Senate education committee chairs have publicly called for an independent investigation into the university’s conduct. Gress argued that Arizona State should not be permitted to investigate its own actions regarding the safety of its athletes. The players echoed this sentiment, requesting that the inquiry be handled by an agency outside of the university to ensure impartiality.
The athletes emphasized that they fear retaliation, noting that the coaches who supervised the workout remain in positions of power over their playing time, scholarships, and roster status. The letter proposes the appointment of an interim coaching staff to allow players to provide testimony without the risk of jeopardizing their academic and athletic standing.
Medical Status and Training Oversight
Mayich, a 21-year-old defenseman drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, remains hospitalized. Family attorney Rob Carey has stated that the athlete is unlikely to recover after suffering exertional heat stroke, which caused a lack of oxygen to his brain. The incident occurred on the first day the NCAA permitted formal team activities.
According to the players, the workout was led by an ex-U.S. Army Green Beret who reportedly admitted to forgetting that the team required a scheduled water break. The letter also highlights that the training plan for the session was never submitted to the university for approval, a detail that contrasts with the administrative oversight expected for such high-intensity physical training.
Did you know?
The players’ letter alleges that the only cooling methods available on the field during the Arizona heat were towels from a cooler, water bottles, and a garden hose. The athletes noted that previous outdoor workouts had been restricted to around 15 minutes before going back inside, yet the session on August 20 lasted 75 minutes.
Arizona State Police investigate workout as players remain anonymous due to retaliation fears
What is the current status of the investigation into the workout?
The Arizona State Police Department is conducting an investigation. Once completed, the findings will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for an independent review.
Why are the players remaining anonymous?
The seven players stated they fear retaliation from the coaching staff, including the loss of scholarships, roster spots, and playing time. They argued that because the coaches remain in their positions, there is no separation between the staff conducting the training and the individuals who determine the players’ careers.
What specifically are the players asking of the university president?
The players have requested that the head coach and his assistants be placed on administrative leave and that an interim staff be appointed to manage the team while the investigation proceeds.
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