ASU hockey players demand coach's leave and independent probe after teammate's collapse

Seven members of Arizona State University's men's hockey team have written to President Michael Crow, urging that the coaching staff be placed on administrative leave while an outside agency investigates the August 20 preseason workout that resulted in defender Matthew Mayich being placed on life support with no hope of recovery. The 26-page letter, submitted anonymously via attorney Tim Casey, alleges that head coach Greg Powers downplayed Mayich's condition, describing it as a minor issue requiring only an IV.

Players dispute the university's internal review, claiming water breaks occurred much later than reported, that only the first finishers of a bear-crawl drill received water, and that no cold-water immersion equipment was available despite policy requirements. They also say Mayich showed distress early in the drill and was left in direct sun without proper monitoring. The athletes demand written guarantees that they will not face scholarship or roster penalties for participating in any investigation and call for an independent probe to prevent a repeat of the incident.