Arizona State Hockey Coach Greg Powers Placed on Paid Leave

Arizona State men’s hockey coach Greg Powers was placed on paid leave Wednesday, the university announced, after sophomore player Matthew Mayich was hospitalized last month and subsequently placed on life support.

Assistant coach Mike Corbett will serve as interim head coach and will lead the team for their season-opening games this weekend.

The action comes two days after seven players on the team reportedly asked university president Michael Crow to remove Powers and his staff. This request was made as an investigation into the events leading up to Mayich’s collapse continues.

Mayich collapsed during a team workout on August 20, suffering from exertional heat stroke that led to a lack of oxygen to his brain, according to his family’s attorney. The attorney stated that Mayich is not expected to recover.

The workout was reportedly led by an ex-Green Beret named Tim Ziesel. Accounts suggest the training was military-style, with participants who lagged behind being subjected to additional exertion in extreme heat. Reports indicate that while team personnel sought permission for Ziesel to work with the team, his training plan was not submitted for review by the strength and conditioning coach.

Mayich's parents, John and Christina, have publicly stated their desire for the coaches who led the August 20 workout to be removed. They expressed a wish for an independent investigation to ascertain the truth and for players to feel safe speaking without fear of retaliation.

The university and the ASU Police Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding the August 20 workout. Arizona State is scheduled to open its season at Lindenwood University on Friday and Saturday.