Absence from Home Opener
In a developing story surrounding the Arizona State hockey program, assistant coach Alex Hicks was notably absent from the team's home opener against Holy Cross. This decision follows the tragic incident on August 20, when defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout, leaving him on life support. The university has not disclosed the reasons behind Hicks's absence, leading to speculation on the implications of the incident on the coaching staff.
Context of the Incident
The crux of the issue began with a sanctioned outdoor exercise on the first day the NCAA permitted official activities. During this workout, 21-year-old Matthew Mayich collapsed due to external heat stroke, which severely impaired oxygen flow to his brain. Family attorney Rob Carey has noted that Mayich is unlikely to recover from his condition, a situation that has raised alarm within the university community and beyond.
Administrative Changes and Investigations
In response to the incident, head coach Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave on September 30, marking a significant change in leadership for the Arizona State hockey team. Powers was absent during the team’s season-opening weekend at Lindenwood, signaling deep turmoil within the coaching staff. The university has since recruited former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to conduct an independent review of the incident, aiming for completion by early December. However, the scope of this review has caused concern among Mayich's family, as they believe it should encompass a thorough investigation into the specifics of what went wrong during the workout, rather than just a review of institutional policies.
Player Advocacy for Accountability
In a remarkable show of solidarity, seven players from the Arizona State hockey team have advocated for accountability. They sent an anonymous letter to university President Michael Crow, calling for an independent review and requesting the coaching staff involved in the tragic incident be placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete. Concerns were raised about discrepancies found in the university's initial investigation, prompting these players to act out of fear of potential retribution. Head coach Greg Powers has responded to this situation by expressing his willingness to cooperate fully with the independent review while encouraging players to speak candidly.
Public and Legal Reactions
This tragic incident has drawn significant public attention and concern, particularly given the gravity of the situation with Mayich’s health. Arizona State police have opened an investigation into the event, promising to furnish a report to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for independent review upon completion. The basketball and hockey community—both locally and nationally—have rallied around the Mayich family as they navigate this difficult time. The support for Mayich and calls for transparency from the university demonstrate the weight that this incident carries for student athletes and the broader community.
Conclusion
The repercussions of Mayich's collapse continue to unfold as the Arizona State hockey program grapples with its internal challenges and an ongoing investigation. While the focus remains on the well-being of the young athlete, the university's handling of the incident will undoubtedly be under scrutiny as stakeholders await the findings of the independent review. The absence of key coaching staff members further complicates the situation for a team looking to open the season on a positive note amidst profound concern for one of their own.
