Arizona State Commissions Outside Investigator to Review Hockey Workout
Coach Greg Powers was placed on leave earlier this week.
Arizona State has hired an independent investigator, former Supreme Court of Arizona Chief Justice Scott Bales, to examine the circumstances surrounding the on-campus workout that left 21-year-old men’s hockey player Matthew Mayich in a coma. The university, ASU Police Department, and Mayich’s teammates were involved in the initial review, which concluded that no one was at fault.
Mayich, a prospect for the St. Louis Blues, collapsed during the workout on August 20. In an interview, Mayich's family attorney, Leonard Aragorn, criticized the Arizona State Police Department's handling of the investigation as "insufficient." Several anonymous players released a letter refuting the findings of the ASU's review, calling for an independent investigation.
Lawmakers from both parties have joined the call for an outside inquiry, with Aragorn stating that ASU's policies were not followed, leading to the incident. The university has requested the investigation be completed by early December, with the option for student-athletes to participate anonymously to avoid retaliation. The head coach, Greg Powers, is currently on paid administrative leave, and the lawyer for the students, Tim Carey, emphasized the need for an outside review to ensure open communication.
ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini stated that the university encouraged transparency and wanted to find answers regarding the incident.
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