**ASU Hockey Coach Speaks Out Amid Trying Times Following Player’s Collapse**
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Mike Corbett, the interim head coach of the Arizona State University hockey team, has opened up about the emotional toll faced by himself and his coaching staff in the aftermath of a tragic incident involving player Matthew Mayich. Mayich remains on life support following a collapse during an outdoor workout on August 20, raising significant concerns about the well-being of all involved.
In comments made to the media after the Sun Devils’ home opener, Corbett emphasised that the coaching staff are not detached figures, but rather are deeply affected by the situation. “We’re hurting just as much as anybody else,” he stated, urging the public to recognise that they too are “human beings.” His remarks came after the team’s loss, where Corbett wore a yellow pin sporting “MM#27,” a tribute to Mayich.
The collapse occurred during a strenuous military-style workout led by a former Green Beret, which has since been associated with extreme heat conditions that Arizona’s weather often brings. Reports indicate that Mayich suffered a heat stroke, resulting in a significant deprivation of oxygen to his brain. The family’s lawyer has revealed that his prognosis remains bleak, labelling the chances of recovery as “zero.”
Corbett, who stepped in after former coach Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave, also discussed the emotional connections coaches form with their players. “This was a young man that I recruited, so to me, that was something that was very big. We know this kid and we hurt just like everybody else,” he explained. His acknowledgment of the personal bond highlights the challenges faced by those working in collegiate sports, where relationships extend beyond mere professional duties.
The circumstances surrounding Powers’ leave have also brought scrutiny to the programme. A letter signed anonymously by 26 players called for the coaching staff’s removal and cited fears of retaliation as the reason for the anonymity. This, combined with the trauma experienced by the team following Mayich’s collapse, has created a turbulent environment for the players and staff alike.
Athletics director Graham Rossini has maintained that the university’s primary focus is on Mayich and supporting his family during this distressing time, as well as ensuring the welfare of the student-athletes. In a statement, he indicated that careful consideration was taken before making the decision to place Powers on leave, highlighting the emphasis on stability for the hockey programme.
As the team adjusts to their new leadership, Corbett’s empathy towards his players and their shared grief is a reminder that even in competitive sports, human emotions are pivotal. His appeal for understanding is essential, as it shines a light on the pressures faced by athletes and coaches in the face of adversity.
In the following games, the coaching staff will likely continue to honour Mayich’s spirit while seeking to galvanise the team through this challenging period. As the season unfolds, the focus remains not only on competition but also on mental health and the support systems necessary for all members of the programme.
Through this difficult chapter, the Arizona State University hockey team will strive to find resilience, hoping that their experiences galvanise a stronger bond, both on and off the ice.