- May 21, 2026
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On Wednesday, Arizona State University announced that it has placed NCAA Men’s Hockey head coach Greg Powers on leave.
The events that led to Powers’ leave can be traced back to Aug. 20. Sun Devils forward and St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich collapsed during a team workout. When first responders arrived, temperatures in Tempe, Ariz. were near 90 degrees. According to reports, the workout was run by former military service member Tim Zeisel, a non-ASU employee, who was requested by Powers to run the workout. Player accounts stated that Zeisel acted like a drill sergeant, only allowing the hardest working members of the team to have water.
Attorneys from both sides have spoken out since the events. Zeisel’s attorney said the workout was far from a green beret-esque activity, and the school stated no responsibility for Mayich’s incident would be handed out. An attorney representing Mayich stated that the player has “zero chance of recovery,” as Mayich is still in critical condition.
In a statement, ASU athletic director Graham Rossini explained that the school felt playing Powers on leave was the right decision.
“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,” 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.”
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference also released a memo backing the university’s decision.
“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. Our thoughts remain with Matthew, his family, and his teammates. The concerns raised by student-athletes deserve to be heard and thoroughly reviewed. We will not prejudge the findings of that review. Hockey matters deeply to our conference, but the well-being of our student-athletes matters more.
“The NCHC will remain in contact with ASU regarding its review and the steps being taken to support and protect its student-athletes.”
Powers being removed from the team comes just a day after a report from The Athletic revealed that seven players called on the university to place Powers on leave.
There has been widespread support for Mayich from across the hockey landscape. The Toronto Maple Leafs, during a team trip to Arizona last week, visited Mayich in the hospital and wore shirts honoring him.
With Powers out for the time being, assistant coach Mike Corebett will be running the bench as the Sun Devils open the 2026-27 season against Lindenwood University.
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The events that led to Powers’ leave can be traced back to Aug. 20. Sun Devils forward and St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich collapsed during a team workout. When first responders arrived, temperatures in Tempe, Ariz. were near 90 degrees. According to reports, the workout was run by former military service member Tim Zeisel, a non-ASU employee, who was requested by Powers to run the workout. Player accounts stated that Zeisel acted like a drill sergeant, only allowing the hardest working members of the team to have water.
Attorneys from both sides have spoken out since the events. Zeisel’s attorney said the workout was far from a green beret-esque activity, and the school stated no responsibility for Mayich’s incident would be handed out. An attorney representing Mayich stated that the player has “zero chance of recovery,” as Mayich is still in critical condition.
In a statement, ASU athletic director Graham Rossini explained that the school felt playing Powers on leave was the right decision.
“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,” 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.”
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference also released a memo backing the university’s decision.
“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. Our thoughts remain with Matthew, his family, and his teammates. The concerns raised by student-athletes deserve to be heard and thoroughly reviewed. We will not prejudge the findings of that review. Hockey matters deeply to our conference, but the well-being of our student-athletes matters more.
“The NCHC will remain in contact with ASU regarding its review and the steps being taken to support and protect its student-athletes.”
Powers being removed from the team comes just a day after a report from The Athletic revealed that seven players called on the university to place Powers on leave.
There has been widespread support for Mayich from across the hockey landscape. The Toronto Maple Leafs, during a team trip to Arizona last week, visited Mayich in the hospital and wore shirts honoring him.
With Powers out for the time being, assistant coach Mike Corebett will be running the bench as the Sun Devils open the 2026-27 season against Lindenwood University.
Continue reading...