Arizona university hockey coach put on paid leave after report on Canadian NHL prospect's collapse

Arizona State men's hockey head coach Greg Powers has been placed on paid administrative leave three days before the team's season opener. Athletic Director Graham Rossini stated that the primary concern is Matthew Mayich, the 21-year-old player who is currently on life support following an incident during a workout led by Powers.

ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini acknowledged that they have gathered substantial information and that this decision was made to maintain stability within the hockey program. The decision follows a 26-page letter from seven players, addressed to ASU President Michael Crow, who requested an outside investigation due to their dispute with ASU's account of the incident.

The players' parents also requested the removal of Powers and other coaches involved in the workout, renewing their call for an independent review. Despite Powers' leave, no independent investigation has been initiated yet; the ASU Police Department is conducting its own internal investigation, and the Maricopa County Attorney declared she would not take over the inquiry.

Public pressure has grown, with two Arizona state Republican lawmakers calling for the Board of Regents to retain an independent investigator. ASU players have been meeting with Rossini and have practiced without coaches present. Powers, who has led the program since 2008, signed a five-year contract extension in 2025, making him the first head coach to receive such an endowment.

He has not addressed the incident or the workout in interviews since Mayich's hospitalization, citing the ongoing investigation and focusing on the upcoming season. Assistant coach Mike Corbett will lead the team during their 2026-27 season opener against Lindenwood on Friday. The NCHC expressed that they will remain in contact with ASU regarding the review of the situation and the steps being taken to protect their student-athletes.