Report: Arizona State players ask school to place coach Greg Powers on leave

Arizona State University’s men’s hockey program has been the subject of much scrutiny following the collapse and subsequent hospitalization of one of their players, St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich, during an outdoor workout in August.

Now, according to The Athletic, several of Mayich’s teammates are requesting that head coach Greg Powers be placed on leave.

Arizona State is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Mayich’s collapse, which was later described as exertional heat stroke by Mayich’s family lawyer Rob Carey. According to the initial findings of the investigation released by the university, Mayich collapsed during a workout on August 20 that took place during especially hot and humid conditions and was led by Timothy Ziesel, an ex-Green Beret. Mayich remains in the hospital and on life support.

The seven players requesting Powers’ leave sent a letter to Arizona State’s president, Michael Crow, disagreeing with certain findings from the initial review, suggesting that Mayich did not receive water or proper medical care upon his collapse. The players sent the letter anonymously out of concern that Powers would punish them for it.

In the letter, the players suggested Powers did not appropriately convey the severity of Mayich’s condition, telling them that it was “just a little heat stroke” and that he had “seen this a million times.” The players also said that Powers told his team that he had received “good news” about Mayich’s condition the day after the incident, and then sent his players out for practice.

The players also recommeded Phoenix Coyotes legend Shane Doan, a former player with ties to the program and area, as a possible interim head coach in Powers’ absence.

Arizona State is set to begin their season against Lindenwood in St. Charles, Missouri on October 2. Their home opener will come against Holy Cross on October 9.