After player collapsed at workout and remains hospitalized, ASU parts ways with hockey coach Greg Powers

Powers leaves ASU program

Arizona State University announced Thursday that it had reached a mutual agreement to part ways with Greg Powers. The decision came nearly two months after 21-year-old sophomore Matthew Mayich collapsed during a workout and was placed on life support.

Questions about the workout

Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout on Aug. 20. His family’s attorney, Robert Carey, said Mayich suffered heatstroke and was placed on life support; Carey said he was unlikely to recover, KPHO-TV reported.

Seven teammates later alleged in an anonymous letter that Mayich was not given water breaks and showed signs of distress before collapsing during the final exercise. They also claimed cold-water immersion tubs and other required emergency equipment were not on the field.

Independent investigation continues

In a statement Thursday, Mayich’s family said its focus remained on him and on understanding what happened. The family called Powers’s departure more like a negotiated agreement than accountability and urged investigators to examine all digital evidence and everyone involved in the workout and its approval.

The family also said the findings should be made public and that Powers’s departure should not limit anyone’s cooperation. Powers previously said he would cooperate fully with the investigation, and the family called for protections for players who have spoken up.