ASU places hockey staff on leave after Mayich collapse investigation

Arizona State University hockey player Matthew Mayich remains on life support after collapsing during an outdoor team workout at the Tempe campus on August 20, prompting staff changes, investigations and questions about heat safety procedures. The 21-year-old defenseman suffered what his family attorney described as exertional heat stroke.

According to ASU reports and player accounts, the workout included conditioning drills led by former Green Beret Tim Ziesel. Mayich collapsed during a final medicine ball run as temperatures approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mayich's teammates disputed ASU's preliminary account, saying the workout lasted 75 minutes rather than 45 minutes and alleging that required heat precautions were not followed. They said there was no immersion tub, ice chests, on-field heat measurement or scheduled shade breaks.

"The precautions required by ASU’s heat policy were not in place: no immersion tub, no ice chests, no on-field heat measurement, no scheduled breaks in shade," the players wrote in a letter.

The players said the session continued despite warning signs among athletes and that Mayich showed visible distress before the final exercise.

"The workout was not difficult as some media outlets have attempted to color it," wrote Larry Kazan, attorney for Tim Ziesel.

Arizona State later placed head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave and reassigned athletic trainer Amanda Doyle. Assistant coach Alex Hicks, who was present during the workout, was also absent from the team's home opener.

ASU spokesperson Jay Thorne said Hicks would not be with the team that weekend. The university said assistant coach Mike Corbett would lead the bench while it worked toward naming an interim head coach.

"is not going to be with the team this weekend," said Jay Thorne, ASU spokesperson.

"Corbett will be leading the bench this weekend," said Jerry Gonzalez, ASU spokesperson.

ASU athletic director Graham Rossini said the university was nearing a decision on an interim coach and had communicated with players about the search.

"We told them that we’re committing to finding a veteran, experienced head coach, great knowledge of the sport, great knowledge of our conference and college hockey, specifically," said Graham Rossini, ASU athletic director.

"I think we’re days away, and we’re working quickly towards that goal," said Graham Rossini, ASU athletic director.

The Mayich family has sought accountability and an independent review. ASU hired retired Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to examine the workout and university safety practices, while Arizona State police continued an investigation.

"We want accountability for what happened to our son," said John and Christina Mayich, Matthew Mayich’s parents.

"We want the truth," said John and Christina Mayich, Matthew Mayich’s parents.

Family attorney Robert Carey said Mayich suffered a heat stroke that reduced oxygen flow to his brain and said recovery was unlikely. He criticized the continued presence of staff members connected to the workout.

"Putting Powers on leave while his best friend of the last decade stays in charge of the locker room doesn’t solve the problem," said Robert Carey, attorney for the Mayich family.

"If ASU won't remove him, even just to err on the side of player safety, then the interim head coach, it has promised, should have the authority to remove anyone who poses a risk of retaliation against these players," said Robert Carey, attorney for the Mayich family.

Sports safety experts said heat illness remains a preventable risk when emergency plans are not followed. Doug Casa, CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute, said organizations often know proper responses but fail during emergencies.

"A lot of times they know the right thing to do, but then they don’t do it in the time of crisis," said Doug Casa, CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute.

"Heat stroke can happen at any time," said Doug Casa, CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute.

Casa also referenced the death of NFL player Korey Stringer in 2001, which led to increased attention on heat safety policies.

"If they had treated [Korey Stringer] properly, he probably would have had dinner with his teammates that night," said Doug Casa, CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute.

Heat-related concerns have increased as extreme temperatures become more frequent. The issue has affected athletes across sports, including a University of Iowa band member who collapsed and later died after a game in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

"It was hot as s—," said an unnamed player cited by ESPN.

"I didn’t play a snap, and I had to get an IV," said an unnamed player cited by ESPN.

ASU's review process continues as officials assess responsibility, safety practices and future leadership of the hockey program.