Former Arizona State hockey coach Greg Powers allegedly tried to get rid of potential evidence after a controversial workout left sophomore defenseman Matthew Mayich hospitalized with “zero chance of recovery.”
Powers, 49, may have replaced a cellphone containing videos, photos, text messages and communication among the ASU coaching staff that he was legally obligated to preserve, according to a report by The Arizona Republic published on Friday, October 9.
A lawyer representing the Mayich family wrote a letter about the phone’s whereabouts to the university on October 3, which the outlet obtained.
“The timing and circumstances raise serious concerns that relevant evidence has been destroyed,” Phoenix lawyer Leonard Aragon wrote in the letter. “The failure to secure the mobile device of the head coach who was present at, and reportedly arranged, the workout at issue is unacceptable.”
Video Emerges From Controversial Workout Involving ASU’s Matthew Mayich
Aragon said Powers allegedly replaced the phone due to “death threats” he was receiving in the wake of the Mayich tragedy.
“Replacing the physical device does nothing to stop threats directed to a phone number or account; it does, however, put at risk the very data that is relevant to the events of August 20, 2026,” the attorney wrote.
Aragon demanded the university determine if Powers’ phone was “wiped, factory reset, traded in, or recycled.”
Us has reached out to Arizona State and Powers for comment. The university did not respond to The Arizona Republic.
Powers was present when Mayich, 21, collapsed due to a heat stroke during an outdoor, military-style workout held August 20 on the school’s Tempe campus.
Mayich allegedly was not given any water throughout the nearly hourlong session, and his body allegedly was left in the sun for minutes before proper action was taken.
Powers was placed on administrative leave on September 30.
“Matthew and his family remain foremost in my thoughts and prayers,” Powers said in a statement at the time. “What happened to Matthew has deeply affected everyone in our program, and I continue to hope for strength and healing for him and his family. I support the University’s decision to place me on administrative leave while the circumstances surrounding the August 20 workout are reviewed. I believe this will allow the review to proceed thoroughly, independently and without distraction.”
Shocking New Details Emerge About Hockey Player Matthew Mayich’s Collapse
Arizona State is expected to hire former NHL head coach Dave Hakstol as the team’s new head coach, The Athletic reported on Monday, October 12.
Mayich’s parents, John and Christina, issued a statement after Powers was placed on leave.
“We’ve heard some things about what our family wants that aren’t right, so we want to be clear,” the statement said. “We want this team to have a great season, and we’ll be cheering for you. But the coaches who ran that workout on August 20 need to be removed while an independent investigation gets to the truth. The players shouldn’t have to worry about retaliation from the people they report to every day.”
Arizona State opened their season on October 2, splitting two games on the road against Lindenwood. In their first home series of the season over the weekend, they split two games against Holy Cross.
