Arizona State University has placed men’s hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave as the institution investigates the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout in late August. The decision was announced on Wednesday, ahead of the team’s season opener scheduled for Friday at Lindenwood University.

Mayich, a 21-year-old forward from Ontario, collapsed on August 20 during a sanctioned outdoor workout, the first day NCAA teams were permitted to conduct official activities. According to Mayich’s family attorney, Rob Carey, the player suffered external heat stroke, which significantly impaired oxygen flow to his brain. Medical reports suggest that Mayich is unlikely to recover from the injury.

Following Mayich’s collapse, seven players from the hockey team sent a letter to Arizona State’s university president, Michael Crow, on Monday. The letter urged the administration to place the coaching staff involved in the workout on administrative leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation. The players also raised concerns about inconsistencies in the university’s initial internal review.

Mayich’s parents, John and Christina Mayich, publicly supported the players' call for the coaches' suspension. In response, Arizona State’s athletic director, Graham Rossini, emphasized that the priority remains on supporting Mayich and his family as well as providing stability for the student-athletes during the ongoing probe.

Rossini stated that a thorough gathering of information had guided the decision to place Powers on leave. Mike Corlindenwood, an assistant coach, will serve as acting head coach for the season opener, with the university expected to announce an interim coach shortly.

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) issued a statement expressing support for Arizona State’s action and extended condolences to Mayich, his family, and teammates.

Matthew Mayich was a sixth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft but had not signed an entry-level contract. Prior to transferring to Arizona State for the upcoming season, he spent four seasons with the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League and played last season at Clarkson University.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mayich’s collapse remains ongoing.