After ASU Hockey Player's Collapse, Coach Is on Leave

Arizona State's men's hockey program is in turmoil after a 21-year-old player collapsed during an August workout and remains on life support, and the head coach has now been sidelined, CBS News reports. ASU placed coach Greg Powers on paid leave, with assistant coach Mike Corbett temporarily stepping in while the university promises an interim coach "soon." Powers said he supports the move and will fully cooperate with the review. Sophomore defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed Aug. 20 during a medicine-ball running drill at an outdoor facility. He was found to be suffering from extreme heat stroke.

Seven anonymous players have since challenged the university's account, alleging the session was "grueling" and longer than the school claims, water breaks were limited, emergency cooling equipment was missing, and Mayich showed distress before he went down. The players say that what they described as a "military-style" workout continued despite multiple players showing signs of distress. While ASU says the temperature was between 86 and 89 degrees during the workout, the high temp that day was more than 100 degrees. Mayich's parents and the players want all staff involved in the workout removed pending an independent investigation. A lawyer for the family says Mayich is unlikely to recover, NBC News reports. Police and county prosecutors are also reviewing the case. (The Toronto Maple Leafs honored Mayich while in Arizona Saturday.)