Arizona State University has put men's hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave while the school investigates the circumstances surrounding the collapse of player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor training session in August.
Mayich, 21, collapsed during the workout and according to his family attorney, Rob Carey, suffered external heat stroke that reduced oxygen flow to his brain. Carey said the player is unlikely to recover.
Carey told reporters that Mayich had displayed signs of distress before collapsing during the practice, which took place in temperatures reported at about 89°F. The attorney also said that there was no cold-water immersion tub available at the session — a common on-site treatment used to rapidly lower body temperature in cases of overheating.
The practice was run by Tim Ziesel, identified by family representatives as a Green Beret who was overseeing the session. Carey said Ziesel did not have a contract with the university. Arizona State has opened an inquiry into the events surrounding the workout and the medical response.
The university has not released further details about the investigation or any personnel actions beyond the administrative leave for Powers. The team and its supporters have been awaiting clarification on what occurred and the measures in place for player safety during off-ice and outdoor training sessions.