NHL2 hours ago1 minute read

ASU Appoints Former Justice To Review Hockey Player's Tragic Collapse

Arizona State has appointed former state Supreme Court chief justice Scott Bales to lead an independent review after hockey player Matthew Mayich collapsed.

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Independent review launched

Arizona State University has asked Scott Bales, a former chief justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, to lead an independent review. This decision follows the collapse of hockey player Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout in August.

The 21-year-old suffered from exertional heat stroke during a workout on the first day of official NCAA activities. Family attorney Rob Carey said the heat stroke reduced oxygen flow to Mayich's brain and he is unlikely to recover.

Bales will review ASU's findings and information from attorneys representing the family, team members, and law enforcement. The school wants the review finished by early December.

Family calls for more answers

The Mayich family is pleased with Bales' appointment but wants a broader investigation. They argue his current mandate only covers future policy recommendations rather than finding out what went wrong on the field and who is responsible.

In a statement, the family said Bales was not asked to answer those fundamental questions. They want to know why the workout was allowed, why it was not stopped when players were in visible distress with no water, and which rules were broken.

ASU has placed hockey coach Greg Powers on administrative leave. A preliminary report revealed that the coaching staff requested a former Green Beret to speak to the team but did not submit a training plan to ASU strength and conditioning coaches beforehand. Seven players had anonymously written to the university president asking for the coaches to be sidelined during the investigation, fearing retribution.

What it means for the next game

St. Louis Blues at Dallas Stars (NHL, Sat, 03 Oct): Dallas Stars win 61%, St. Louis Blues win 39%; projected score Dallas Stars 3, St. Louis Blues 2. Our safest pick: Blues +1.5.

Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators (NHL, Sun, 04 Oct): Nashville Predators win 41%, Dallas Stars win 59%; projected score Nashville Predators 3, Dallas Stars 3. Our safest pick: Predators +1.5.