Arizona State initiates independent investigation into August 20th workout

Photo: Chris Tanouye/Getty Images

Mere hours before puck drop on the 2026-27 season, and 43 days after the workout that led to Matthew Mayich’s collapse and hospitalization, it was announced that Arizona State University has retained an independent investigator to lead the review of the events of that August 20th workout.

In the report by Katie Strang, Nathan Fenno, and Adam Kilgore of The Athletic, the university has engaged with Scott Bales, former chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. A tumultuous string of events for the hockey program over the last week, this announcement answers calls from Mayich’s parents, current players, and numerous government officials across Arizona.

In a statement addressed to university president Michael Crow on Friday, it is expected that Bales will also make recommendations on planning, staffing, and response to outdoor workout events, as well as “use of outside consultants in the planning and delivery of strength and conditioning and practice activities”. Arizona State University has made the request that this review be completed by December. It should be noted that this is a review of existing policies only; there has been no indication that this review will address the roles of any staff members in the workout.

Bales served on the Arizona Supreme Court from 2005 to 2019, serving as its chief justice from 2014 until his retirement at the end of his term in 2019. Bales has been an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, according to his American Law Council bio.

This is but the latest step in what has led to head coach Greg Powers being placed on paid administrative leave. The Sun Devils are beginning the season on the road at Lindenwood under the leadership of assistant coach Mike Corbett. On his weekly appearance on the Burns and Gambo Show on Thursday afternoon, athletic director Graham Rossini stated that an interim head coach is expected to be named by the time the team plays their home opener against Holy Cross on October 9th.