Arizona State Hockey Players Demand Coach Greg Powers Placed on Leave After Teammate’s Coma

Seven Arizona State Sun Devils hockey players wrote a 26‑page letter to University President Michael Crow, asking that head coach Greg Powers and his assistants be placed on administrative leave. The players allege that an August 20 workout—run by an ex‑U. S. Army Green Beret—was excessively grueling, with inadequate hydration and medical oversight. They claim the team received a water break only after 40 minutes of a 75‑minute session, and that only a handful of players drank water. Sophomore Matthew Mayich reportedly showed early signs of distress, became disoriented during a bear‑crawl drill, and could not carry a teammate. He collapsed, remained in direct sunlight for minutes, and was not properly cooled or monitored. Mayich was placed on life support and is now in a coma. The university’s review noted a water break at 20 minutes and that Mayich sat upright twice, findings the players dispute. They also contend that Coach Powers downplayed Mayich’s condition, calling it a “little heat stroke,” and that no intervention occurred. The letter urges the president to remove the coaching staff to protect players’ safety and integrity of the program. The Sun Devils will open the 2026‑27 season against Lindenwood.