Arizona State places hockey coach Greg Powers on leave after player collapse

Arizona State has placed head hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave while it investigates the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout in August. The Guardian reported the decision after players and Mayich's parents called for the coaches involved in the session to be removed from their duties while an independent investigation takes place.

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Mayich, 21, suffered heat stroke that reduced the oxygen reaching his brain and is unlikely to recover, according to family attorney Rob Carey. Carey said the player had displayed signs of distress before collapsing during the workout, which took place in 89F heat. The assessment of Mayich's condition and the account of those warning signs were attributed to Carey in the report.

The attorney also said there had been no cold water tub available at the session. The Guardian reported that Tim Ziesel, the Green Beret who was in charge of the workout, did not have a contract with the university. Those details form part of the account surrounding the incident as the school continues examining what happened to Mayich during the outdoor training session.

Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini said the university's priority remained Mayich and his family, alongside ensuring support for other student-athletes as the season begins. In a statement, Rossini said the school had continued gathering information and that, following careful consideration, he believed placing Powers on leave was the best way to provide stability for the hockey programme.

Seven players had written to university president Michael Crow on Monday, asking that coaches involved in the workout be placed on administrative leave until an independent investigation concluded. Their letter also raised discrepancies in the university's initial inquiry, according to The Guardian. Mayich's parents, John and Christina, issued a statement on Tuesday supporting the players' request for the coaching staff to be put on leave.

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference backed Arizona State's decision to place Powers on leave while the circumstances are examined, and expressed support for Mayich, his family and teammates. Powers had declined to answer reporters' questions about the incident the previous week, The Guardian reported. The university's investigation remains ongoing.