Arizona State hockey players ask school president to place coach on leave after workout left Matthew Mayich in a coma

Seven Arizona State men's hockey players have penned a 26-page letter to university president Michael Crow, urging the school to place head coach Greg Powers and his staff on administrative leave. The players, who fear potential retaliation from Powers, dispute several aspects of the university's initial review of a workout that left sophomore Matthew Mayich in a coma.

According to the players, the workout on August 20 was grueling and run by an ex-Green Beret, with a water break given just 40 minutes in, lasting only seconds. Only eight players received water, as the rest continued to exercise. Mayich exhibited distress early in the workout, becoming disoriented and leaning on teammates. Despite this, no one intervened.

After collapsing, Mayich remained in direct sunlight for several minutes before being carried by teammates. The players claim the team did not properly acclimate players, particularly those from colder climates like Mayich from Ontario, to the Arizona heat. Powers, who has led the Sun Devils for nearly two decades, was repeatedly asked about the incident but refused to comment, stating it was a difficult time for the program.