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Arizona State University’s men’s hockey program entered its home opener amid uncertainty after a preseason workout left defenseman Matthew Mayich on life support. The team faced notable absences on the bench and on the ice as administrators continue an independent review of the August session.
Coaching staff changes at Mullett Arena
Head coach Greg Powers remained off the bench after being placed on paid administrative leave prior to the season opener at Lindenwood. The university took that step after receiving a letter from seven anonymous players who challenged ASU’s account of the workout.
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Also absent Friday was associate head coach Alex Hicks. He was replaced in the game-day chart by former NHL forward Taylor Pyatt, listed as a “volunteer associate head coach.” ASU has not explained why Hicks did not travel with the team or commented on his current employment status.
Legal and family concerns over staff roles
Speaking on Front Office Sports Tonight, Mayich’s family lawyer Leonard Aragorn described Hicks as the “right-hand man and enforcer” to Powers. Aragorn has been raising concerns about evidence and internal communications related to the workout.
Players scratched amid the fallout
Three skaters who appeared in the first two games at Lindenwood—sophomore forwards Ben Kevan and Olivier Houde, and junior forward Nic Chin‑DeGraves—were listed among the healthy scratches for the home opener. The program has not publicly confirmed reasons for each absence.
College Hockey News reported that at least one player voluntarily removed himself from the lineup for personal reasons and was expected to return once an interim head coach is installed.
Interim coach expected soon, review continues
ASU said it plans to name an interim coach early next week, with two to three candidates reportedly in advanced consideration. The interim leader will have authority to assemble a new staff and is expected to serve through the duration of an independent review into the Aug. 20 outdoor workout.
The workout was organized by former Green Beret Tim Zeisel and, according to ASU, was not authorized through official Sun Devil Athletics channels. The hockey team’s athletic trainer, Amanda Doyle, was reassigned to another team earlier this week; ASU did not respond to Front Office Sports’ questions about her employment status or the rationale for the transfer.
Investigation timeline and potential evidence issues
The internal probe was transferred from the ASU Police Department to a former Arizona State Supreme Court chief justice last week. The university expects the review’s findings in early December.
Complicating the inquiry, the Arizona Republic reported that Powers may have replaced his work cell phone after Aug. 20. In a letter to ASU General Counsel Lisa Loo, Aragorn warned that “relevant evidence has been destroyed.”
Before Friday’s game, Mayich’s jersey was displayed in a locker-room stall as teammates prepared for the contest. Arizona State lost to Holy Cross 2–1 and is scheduled to meet the same opponent again on Saturday afternoon.
