What happened between Greg Powers and Katie Strang over Matthew Mayich? Inside the tense ASU press conference

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Greg Powers met with the media for the first time since defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed during an outdoor team workout Aug. 20. Powers opened the media session for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference with a statement that he couldn't comment on the incident because investigations are ongoing.The media availability was held one day after Arizona State University put out its initial review. The report said the hockey coaching staff did not provide a training plan to the university’s strength and conditioning staff before the workout, adding additional context to the questions surrounding Mayich’s collapse.Why Matthew Mayich tragedy puts Greg Powers under NHL scrutinyThe Matthew Mayich incident has garnered more attention around the NHL because the Arizona State defenseman is a St. Louis Blues prospect and remains hospitalized after the August workout. Mayich is unlikely to recover, his family’s attorney has said.The entire Arizona State Sun Devils program has struggled with this, Powers said. The thoughts are with Mayich and his family. Then he tried to turn the media’s attention to questions about the upcoming season.The questioning took a more pointed turn when The Athletic reporter Katie Strang pressed Powers on his decision not to discuss the circumstances of Mayich’s collapse. Powers said he was unable to provide any more details during the investigation. Asked about his job as Arizona State’s head coach, he said he still felt like the right guy for the job, citing his long tenure and relationships within the program.Arizona State’s initial review gave more details about the Aug. 20 event. The workout was conducted at Sun Angel Stadium from about 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. with temperatures between 86 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit.The university said the coaching staff failed to submit a training plan for review by ASU strength and conditioning coaches. The review also addressed the role of an outside consultant in the team activity and the procedures of the university for outdoor athletic events.Investigations continue as Arizona State preparesThe ASU Police Department is conducting an investigation of its own, which will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review. Arizona State has also proposed an expert advisory panel on outdoor athletic activities and outside consultants.Meanwhile, Arizona State’s Sun Devils will open their 2026-27 season against Lindenwood on Oct. 2. So Powers’ press conference left the program in a position where it was balancing preparations for the NHL-connected college hockey season with lingering questions about Matthew Mayich’s condition and the Aug. 20 workout.Arizona State coach Greg Powers was grilled by reporter Katie Strang about Matthew Mayich’s collapse during a workout in August. Investigations continue, and Powers declined to comment on the specifics.As the Sun Devils prepare to open their season, a preliminary ASU review raised concerns about workout planning and oversight, keeping the program in the spotlight.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.