Sports
ASU hockey opens at Mullett Arena amid questions over Mayich case
Arizona State is set to host Holy Cross on Friday while sophomore Matthew Mayich remains on life support after collapsing during an Aug. 20 workout. His family is again demanding that the full coaching staff be removed as the university’s independent review proceeds.
TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State University’s hockey team is scheduled to play its home opener Friday night at Mullett Arena as sophomore defenseman Matthew Mayich remains on life support, nearly seven weeks after collapsing during an outdoor workout in Tempe.
Mayich’s family is pressing the university to remove the entire coaching staff while an independent review examines the school’s planning, procedures, preparedness and response. Rob Carey, the family’s attorney, said the family believes the review does not address what happened to Mayich or who should be held responsible. Carey has said Mayich is unlikely to fully recover.
ASU placed head coach Greg Powers on paid administrative leave before the team began its season Oct. 2. Assistant coach Mike Corbett, who participated in the Aug. 20 workout, is continuing to lead the team. Associate coach Alex Hicks will not be at Friday’s game, while former NHL player Taylor Pyatt is expected to be on the bench.
The university said Pyatt has been around the program over the past month and was approved and cleared Aug. 24. It also said the team captains supported having him on the bench. ASU did not explain why Hicks would be absent.
Carey said the staffing changes do not go far enough, arguing that coaches remain in place while the investigation is underway. He also said players may be reluctant to speak openly with the same staff still working with the team. The family has previously called for the coaches’ removal.
Seven current teammates who were present at the workout have also raised concerns through an attorney. They allege Mayich did not receive water and appeared disoriented before he collapsed, and have questioned whether coaches and an athletic trainer followed protocols or called 911 promptly. Those accounts are allegations and have not been established by the university’s review.
ASU appointed former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to conduct the independent review, which the university wants completed by December. The school says athletes can share information, ask questions and make suggestions confidentially or anonymously. The Mayich family’s legal team says the review’s stated scope does not include determining the cause of the collapse or assigning responsibility.
The family’s attorney said it has sent the university several letters seeking information and plans to speak with Bales before deciding on next steps. The Arizona Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public universities, discussed the case in executive session last week. Board Chair Doug Goodyear pledged to follow up, but no public decisions were announced.
ASU is scheduled to face Holy Cross at 7 p.m. Friday. The Sun Devils split a series with Lindenwood last week and honored Mayich by wearing yellow ribbons bearing his No. 27 on their helmets. Carey said the family appreciates the team’s effort to play in Mayich’s name and hopes the university and those involved provide answers and accountability.