{
  "id": 13292860,
  "title": "Arizona State assistant hockey coach not at opener in wake of player collapse",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/arizona-state-assistant-hockey-coach-not-at-opener-in-wake-of-player",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T01:34:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/10/09/arizona-state-assistant-hockey-coach-not-at-opener-in-wake-of-player-collapse"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Assistant hockey coach Alex Hicks was absent from Arizona State's home opener following an outdoor workout where a player, Matthew Mayich, collapsed on life support. The reason for Hicks' absence remains undisclosed by the university. Head coach Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave on September 30 and also missed the opening weekend game at Lindenwood. The university has commissioned an independent investigation led by former Arizona State Supreme Court chief justice Scott Bales, expected to conclude by early December. Seven players have demanded an independent review, accusing inconsistencies in the initial university probe. The players' concerns stem from discrepancies with the initial probe, and they have requested the coaching staff involved in the workout be placed on leave until the review is completed. The university's statement acknowledged the players' concerns but did not provide further details on Hicks' absence.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Arizona State's Alex Hicks absent from opener",
    "Player Matthew Mayich collapsed during workout",
    "Independent investigation led by former justice Bales"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The absence of assistant coach Alex Hicks and head coach Greg Powers suggests a growing cloud of uncertainty around Arizona State's hockey program amid an ongoing investigation into a player's collapse.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}