ASU Hockey Family and Players Demand Coach Removal Amid Mayich Heatstroke Investigation

Key points

• Mayich, 21, collapsed on Aug. 20 during an outdoor workout and remains in critical condition with no chance of recovery, according to his family's attorney.
• The Mayich parents and seven anonymous players have called for head coach Greg Powers and his staff to be placed on administrative leave pending an independent investigation.
• Players allege the workout lasted 75 minutes, not 45 as stated by ASU, and that Mayich received no water during breaks despite high temperatures.
• ASU's internal report claims temperatures were between 86 and 89 degrees, while players argue conditions were more severe and safety equipment was missing.
• Arizona state legislators have called for an independent investigator, and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office has stated it will review the matter once ASU police complete their investigation.

Background

Matthew Mayich, a sophomore defenseman from Ontario, Canada, was hospitalized after collapsing during an outdoor training session at ASU on Aug. 20. Initial reports described the incident as a possible cardiac event, but subsequent information identified it as external heatstroke. The university released an internal report on Sept. 21, which the players and family have since disputed as inaccurate regarding the intensity and safety of the workout.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and KTAR News 92.3 FM report that the Mayich family and seven anonymous players are demanding the removal of coaches and an independent investigation, citing fears of retaliation. AZ Family highlights the family's statement clarifying they want the team to succeed but insist on accountability for the Aug. 20 incident. In contrast, the attorney for the outside instructor, Tim Ziesel, disputes the players' accounts, stating that no players vomited and that water breaks were determined by coaching staff according to university policy. ESPN did not provide content due to a 403 error.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights significant tensions between student-athlete safety, university accountability, and the potential for retaliation in collegiate sports. The outcome of the investigation could set precedents for how universities handle heat-related incidents and the transparency of internal reviews in high-profile cases involving serious injury or death.

What to watch

The Arizona Board of Regents is scheduled to receive legal advice on the matter in an executive session on Thursday. ASU police are currently investigating the incident, and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office has indicated it will review the case once the police investigation is complete. The ASU hockey team is scheduled to open its season on Oct. 2 against Lindenwood University in Missouri.