Arizona State places hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave following player’s collpase

The Arizona State police department is investigating the incident, and a report will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review when completed.

“What happened to Matthew has deeply affected everyone in our program, and I continue to hope for strength and healing for him and his family,” Powers said in a statement. ”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.”

Arizona’s House and Senate education committee chairs also called for an independent investigation of Arizona State’s hockey workout after reading a letter from the players.

Seven players sent a letter to university President Michael Crow on Monday urging the school to place the coaches involved in the workout on administrative leave until an independent investigation is concluded. The letter also called out discrepancies from an initial probe by the university.

The players sent the letter anonymously through an attorney, fearing retribution from the coaching staff. They said several other players didn’t join the letter out of fear of retribution.

“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,” Powers said. “I care deeply about these young men and their well-being, and I will respect whatever they choose to share through that process.”

Mayich’s parents, John and Christina Mayich, issued a statement on Tuesday agreeing with the players that the coaching staff should be placed on leave and called from an independent investigation.

“The NCHC supports Arizona State University’s decision to place head coach Greg Powers on leave while the circumstances surrounding Matthew Mayich’s trauma are examined,” the National Collegiate Hockey Conference said in a statement. “Our thoughts remain with Matthew, his family and teammates.”

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John Marshall, The Associated Press

by The Canadian Press

Arizona State places hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave following player’s collpase

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