Greg Powers placed on paid leave by Arizona State after Mayich collapse

Arizona State University has removed men’s hockey coach Greg Powers from his day-to-day duties, placing him on paid administrative leave Wednesday while the school investigates the circumstances surrounding defenceman Matthew Mayich’s collapse during an outdoor workout in Tempe, Ariz.

Powers will not be behind the bench when Arizona State opens its season Friday on the road at Lindenwood. Assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team for the opener, and the school says an interim head coach will be appointed in the near future.

Investigation focuses on Aug. 20 outdoor workout

Mayich, 21, went down during an Aug. 20 session held outdoors on the first day the NCAA permits official team activities. Family lawyer Rob Carey said the defenceman suffered external heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain and that he is unlikely to recover.

In a statement, athletic director Graham Rossini said the university’s attention remains on supporting Mayich, his family and the rest of the team as the season begins. Rossini added that Arizona State has been gathering information and, after what he described as thorough deliberation, concluded that putting Powers on leave is the best step to provide stability for the program.

Players and family pushed for staff to be sidelined

The move comes after seven Arizona State players wrote to university president Michael Crow on Monday, urging that the coaches involved in the workout be put on leave until an independent investigation is completed. The letter also raised concerns about inconsistencies between the findings of an initial internal review and what the players say they experienced.

On Tuesday, Mayich’s parents, John and Christina Mayich, released a statement echoing the players’ position and saying they believed the coaching staff should be removed from active duty while the investigation runs its course.

NCHC backs Arizona State decision

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference, which includes Arizona State, publicly supported the university’s move. In its statement, the NCHC said it backed the decision to place Powers on leave while the circumstances around Mayich’s injury are examined and added that its thoughts remain with the player, his family and his teammates.

Arizona State’s investigation continues as the team prepares to start its season without its long-time head coach, and as questions about workout safety and heat management during outdoor sessions remain at the forefront for the program and the wider college hockey community.