ASU hockey players demand coach leave after teammate's collapse

Seven Arizona State hockey players sent a 26-page letter to university president Michael Crow on September 28 requesting head coach Greg Powers and his staff be placed on administrative leave. The players acted anonymously through attorney Timothy Casey, citing fear of retaliation from coaches who control playing time and scholarships.

The letter disputes the university's initial review of an August 20 workout led by former Green Beret Timothy Ziesel. Players allege the only water break occurred roughly 40 minutes into the 75-minute session and lasted only seconds, with about eight players receiving water before being ordered back to drills.

“We should not have to choose between telling the truth about August 20 and keeping what we have worked our whole lives for.”

Sophomore Matthew Mayich collapsed during the workout and remains on life support in a coma. Players say Mayich showed obvious signs of distress early in the session, becoming disoriented while others vomited or dropped to a knee.

The players claim the former Green Beret admitted forgetting athletes needed water, stating he did not drink water during combat. They also allege Mayich received inadequate medical care after collapsing.

Arizona State continues its own investigation and has not publicly accepted the players' account. The university's preliminary report stated a water break was given around 20 minutes into the workout.