What’s Going On at Arizona State Hockey? A Coach on Leave and a Player in Crisis

Skip to main content Skip to navigation Matthew Mayich’s family lawyer says the player suffered from external heat stroke. Photograph: Kameleon007/Getty Images/iStockphoto View image in fullscreen Matthew Mayich’s family lawyer says the player suffered from external heat stroke.

Let’s dive into the ice-cold waters of college hockey drama, shall we? Arizona State University has hit the brakes on their hockey coach, Greg Powers, placing him on administrative leave after a serious incident involving one of his players. If you’re scratching your head wondering what exactly happened, let me fill you in on the details that have shaken the ASU hockey community.

On August 20, during what was supposed to be a routine outdoor workout (because, apparently, nothing says ‘team bonding’ like sweating in the sun), defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed. Yes, you read that right—collapsed. And while workouts can be tough, this was a whole other level of serious. The school has since initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this medical emergency, which sounds a bit like a plot twist from a sports drama, but unfortunately, this is real life.

As of now, Mayich is reportedly in a critical condition and, according to his family attorney, he may not recover. Let that sink in for a moment. It’s every family’s worst nightmare, and our hearts go out to them during this incredibly difficult time.

So, what does this mean for Coach Powers? Well, as of Wednesday, he’s been sidelined, and he won’t be making an appearance at the team’s season opener this Friday. If you’re wondering why a coach gets put on leave in such scenarios, it’s typically standard protocol while investigations unfold. Think of it as the school’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s not rush to conclusions here, but we also don’t want to make things worse.” It’s a classic case of ‘better safe than sorry.’

However, this situation isn’t just a simple case of a coach stepping back. The implications of this incident are significant, not only for the players and their families but also for the university’s athletic program as a whole. Questions are swirling: Were safety protocols followed? Was there adequate medical support on-site? And let’s be honest, are we going to have to start questioning every outdoor workout from here on out?

The media frenzy surrounding this incident is also worth noting. Outlets from The Independent to NBC News are all reporting on this, and it’s safe to say that the spotlight is shining pretty brightly on ASU hockey right now. The last thing any university wants is to be embroiled in a scandal, especially when it involves the health and safety of its students.

As we await more details from the investigation, one thing is clear: this is a tragic reminder of the pressures student-athletes face and the importance of prioritizing their health above all else. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of competition and the desire to push limits, but at the end of the day, they’re still students—human beings with lives beyond the rink.

In conclusion, let’s hope for the best for Matthew Mayich and his family. As for Coach Powers, we’ll see how this all unfolds. In the meantime, if you’re a hockey fan, keep your fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for Mayich and maybe a few less dramatic headlines coming from the ASU hockey program in the future. Because, let’s face it, we all could use a little less drama in our lives—unless we’re talking about reality TV, of course.


Inspired by: “Arizona State places hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave following player’s collpase” (r/News)