Arizona State Hockey Coach Greg Powers Put On Leave After Player’s Collapse

Three days out from the Arizona State men’s hockey season opener, head coach Greg Powers has been put on paid administrative leave. 

ASU AD Graham Rossini said in a statement: “Our focus continues to be on Matthew [Mayich] 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. 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.”

The decision comes after seven players sent an anonymous, 26-page letter to ASU president Michael Crow disputing the university’s account of the ex-Green Beret–led workout that left 21-year-old sophomore Mayich on life support. In the letter, which was sent Monday via a lawyer for fear of retribution from coaches for speaking out, the players called for the coaches to be put on leave while an outside investigation is conducted.

Following the letter Tuesday, Mayich’s parents also requested the removal of the coaches who ran the Aug. 20 workout. They also renewed their call for an independent review, which they initially asked for in their first public comments following their son’s hospitalization.

Despite Powers’s leave, which was first reported by the Grand Forks Herald, no independent investigation has been launched yet. The ASU PD is conducting its own internal investigation, and the Maricopa County Attorney said Tuesday she will not take over the inquiry.

Still, public pressure has mounted, including from two Arizona state Republican lawmakers, who on Monday night called for the Board of Regents to retain an independent investigator. One of the lawmakers told Front Office Sports on Tuesday that the players’ letter had pushed them to call for outside intervention. And after Powers was put on leave, Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly said in a statement to FOS “there must be a full, independent investigation so that no athlete faces this again.” The message was echoed in a second statement from Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego: “Matthew Mayich and his family deserve answers.”

On Tuesday, team members met with Rossini and held a practice without coaches present. ASU players are expected to meet with school staff individually.

Powers has led the ASU program since 2008, which includes all 12 seasons Sun Devils men’s hockey has been competing at the Division I level. In 2025, he signed a five-year contract extension through 2030, endowed by ASU boosters Mike and Nancy Friend. The donation created The Greg Powers Endowed Men’s Hockey Head Coach as the athletic department’s first head-coaching endowment. 

“I support the University’s decision to place me on administrative leave while the circumstances surrounding the August 20 workout are reviewed. I believe this will allow the review to proceed thoroughly, independently and without distraction. I intend to cooperate fully and want a process that Matthew, our players, their families and the broader ASU community can have confidence in,” Powers said in a statement. “I respect our players’ right to speak openly and honestly about their experiences, and I want every player to feel completely free to participate candidly in the review.”

During National Collegiate Hockey Conference media day Sept. 23, more than a month after Mayich’s hospitalization, Powers refused to answer questions about his player and the workout, even when pressed by multiple reporters. He cited ASU’s ongoing investigation and directed all questions toward the team’s upcoming season.

ASU assistant coach Mike Corbett will coach the Sun Devils as they open their 2026–27 campaign on the road against Lindenwood on Friday. ASU begins conference play in the NCHC on Oct. 30 at St. Cloud State, and they face reigning national champion Denver the following weekend. An interim coach will be named soon.

The NCHC issued a statement saying, “The concerns raised by student-athletes deserve to be heard and thoroughly reviewed. We will not prejudge the findings of that review. … The NCHC will remain in contact with ASU regarding its review and the steps being taken to support and protect its student-athletes.”

Mayich’s family attorney Rob Carey asserts the school has not gone far enough. In a statement released after ASU’s decision, he said: “Putting Powers on leave while his best friend of the last decade stays in charge of the locker room doesn’t solve the problem.”