ASU hockey coach on leave after Stoney Creek native’s collapse

Arizona State University (ASU) hockey coach Greg Powers is on paid administrative leave as of Wednesday following a Hamilton-born player’s hospitalization.

As the season opens this weekend, Assistant Coach Mike Corbett will lead the team and an interim head coach will be named soon.

Stoney Creek native Matthew Mayich, 21, collapsed during a workout on Aug. 20 and remains hospitalized with what family attorney Rob Carey said was an exertional heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain. Carey said Mayich is unlikely to recover.

“Our focus continues to be on Matthew and his family and on our student-athletes to make sure they have the support they need during this time and as the season begins,” ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini said.

“We have continued to collect as much information as possible. After thorough and careful deliberation, I believe this is the best move to provide stability for the hockey program.”

Arizona State’s report showed temperatures during the workout, which started at 7 a.m., ranged from 86 to 89 degrees, with humidity between 51 per cent and 46 per cent.

WATCH MORE: Training plan not filed before Hamilton-born player collapses, ASU report finds

James Rund, senior vice-president of educational outreach and student services, said all student-athletes who participated in the event had been medically cleared before the workout, including Mayich.

Mayich collapsed during a “wind-down” run while carrying a 10-pound medicine ball.

However, Carey told CHCH News in a statement, “What the report doesn’t say is what the players will tell you: this was a punishment workout. Miss a count, your group runs again. The head coach set it up, stood there and watched it and didn’t stop it when the signs were there.”

In a letter to the school president, seven Arizona State hockey players demanded the coaching staff be placed on administrative leave until the collapse of their teammate is independently investigated.

The Arizona State Police Department is looking into the incident and a report will be sent to the county attorney’s office for independent review when complete.

With Files From The Canadian Press

WATCH MORE: ‘They need a miracle’: Hamilton-born hockey player hospitalized in Arizona