Matthew Mayich’s Parents Slam ASU Coach’s Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’ Rather Than ‘Accountability’

NEED TO KNOW

• The family of Matthew Mayich is speaking out after Arizona State University announced it is parting ways with its hockey coach
• In a statement, the family called the news “a negotiated agreement” instead of the university taking accountability for their son’s medical emergency
• Mayich collapsed, suffering heat stroke and losing oxygen to his brain, during an outdoor, military-style workout on Aug. 20

Matthew Mayich’s family is speaking out amid news that Arizona State University has parted ways with hockey coach Greg Powers, nearly two months after Mayich collapsed following a team workout.

“Our focus remains where it has been since August 20: Matthew, and making sure what happened to him is fully understood and never happens to another player,” the family said in a statement on Thursday, Oct. 15. “It seems more like a negotiated agreement than accountability, and so we believe Justice Bales’s investigation must continue with its full scope, covering everyone involved in that morning’s workout and in approving it, and its findings must be made public.”

The statement continued, “Coach Powers’s departure should not limit his cooperation or anyone else’s and the players who have spoken up must be protected. We wish Coach Hakstol, his staff and the players a safe and successful season.”

Earlier on Thursday, ASU announced that it had mutually parted ways with coach Greg Powers.

The program announced Powers’ exit in a statement and said Dave Hakstol, who was coaching for the Colorado Avalanche, would take over.

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“We welcome Dave Hakstol and his family to Arizona State University,” Sun Devil Athletics Director Graham Rossini said. “His success building championship-caliber programs, developing players for the highest level of the sport, and leading organizations in the NHL speaks to his knowledge of the game and his ability to develop talent.”

Powers was put on leave on Sept. 30, more than a month after Mayich’s medical emergency on Aug. 20, after the team worked out under the direction of a former Green Beret who had no affiliation with the school.

Mayich, 21, suffered heat stroke and lost oxygen to his brain after the military-style outdoor workout in 90 degree conditions and has “zero chance” of recovery, according to his family’s lawyer.

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