ASU Hockey Coach Defends Role as Player Remains in Coma After Heatstroke Incident

Key points

• Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old Canadian transfer, collapsed during a 45-minute outdoor workout at Sun Angel Stadium on August 20, 2026, and remains in a coma.
• ASU’s internal review, released on September 21, found that hockey coaches did not submit a training plan for review by strength and conditioning staff before the event.
• The report noted temperatures ranged from 86 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity between 46% and 51%, conditions classified as 'moderate' heat risk under ASU policy.
• Head coach Greg Powers declined to answer questions about the incident during a virtual press conference, stating he could not comment due to an ongoing police investigation.
• The family’s attorney, Leonard Aragon, claims the school ignored protocols, including failing to call 911 immediately, and is seeking an independent investigation by the Maricopa County Attorney.
• ASU President Michael Crow has been asked to establish a blue-ribbon advisory panel to review outdoor athletic activities and the use of outside consultants.

Background

Mayich, a former Blues draft pick who played for the Ottawa 67’s and Clarkson University, transferred to ASU for the 2026-27 season. He arrived in Tempe, Arizona, on August 12, just eight days before the workout. Earlier reports indicated doctors described the collapse as a possible cardiac event, but subsequent updates confirmed exertional heatstroke as the likely cause. The family has consistently stated that recovery is unlikely.

How outlets are covering it

The Athletic’s Katie Strang criticized ASU head coach Greg Powers for refusing to address the circumstances of the collapse, questioning his commitment to accountability. Powers responded that he could not answer questions due to an active investigation and maintained that he is the right person to lead the team. In contrast, the family’s attorney, Leonard Aragon, argued that the university ignored its own heat policies and failed to provide adequate emergency response, calling the workout a 'punishment' that was not properly supervised. KJZZ reported that the university’s review found the workout did not follow heat acclimatization policies, which recommend gradual exposure over seven to 14 days. ASU’s report, however, assigned no individual blame, instead recommending policy changes and an advisory panel. The family’s attorney, Robert Carey, also called for an independent investigation, stating that the outcome was not a normal result of a workout.

Why it matters

The incident highlights significant gaps in ASU’s athletic safety protocols, particularly regarding heat exposure and the use of outside consultants. The lack of accountability and the continued presence of the head coach have raised concerns about the university’s commitment to student-athlete safety. The case may lead to broader changes in how college athletic programs manage outdoor activities and emergency responses, especially in regions prone to extreme heat.

What to watch

ASU Police are conducting their own investigation and will submit their findings to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. The family’s attorney is pushing for an independent investigation and accountability for policy violations. ASU President Michael Crow is expected to establish a blue-ribbon advisory panel to review outdoor athletic activities and the use of outside consultants. The hockey season begins next week, and the team will continue to train under the current leadership.