Sep 28·Science
Follow-up 2h ago Major5
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ASU Hockey Player Collapses During Workout; Players and Family Demand Coach Removal
Arizona State hockey player Matthew Mayich collapsed during a August 20 outdoor workout and remains hospitalized with heat stroke. Seven anonymous players and his parents have called for coaches to be removed pending an independent investigation, alleging policy violations and concerns about retaliation. The coaching staff's representative disputes the players' account.
Quick Facts
- Matthew Mayich collapsed during outdoor workout
- Seven players submitted anonymous letter to ASU president
- Players disputed university's internal investigation findings
- Mayich's parents released statement calling for coach removal
- Arizona House and Senate education committee chairs called for independent investigation


Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old defenseman for Arizona State University's hockey team, collapsed during an outdoor workout on August 20 and remains hospitalized with exertional heat stroke that has reduced oxygen flow to his brain. He is unlikely to recover, according to his family's attorney. The incident occurred on the first day the NCAA permits formal team activities, during a session led by former Green Beret Tim Ziesel, who had no contract with the school and whose qualifications were not vetted by the university.
Seven anonymous Arizona State hockey players sent a letter to university president Michael Crow on September 28, disputing the findings of the school's internal investigation and calling for coaches to be placed on administrative leave pending an independent investigation. The players, who requested anonymity citing fear of retaliation, alleged that Mayich did not receive water during the 75-minute outdoor session despite university hydration policy requirements, that the workout was more demanding than reported, and that emergency cooling equipment required by policy was not present. They also noted that some players showed signs of distress, including vomiting and disorientation, but were not stopped or monitored. The players emphasized that head coach Greg Powers and his assistants remain in their positions and collectively control playing time, scholarships, and roster decisions, creating a power imbalance that discourages reporting.
On September 29, Mayich's parents, John and Christina Mayich, released a separate statement through their attorney supporting the players' call for coach removal and backing their concerns about retaliation. The parents stated they want accountability and the truth, while also expressing hope the team will have a successful season. Arizona's House and Senate education committee chairs called for an independent investigation following the players' letter.
Ziesel's attorney, Buddy Rake, disputed the players' account, stating that no players were denied water, that water breaks were determined by coaching staff under university policy, and that no player vomited during the workout. Rake characterized the exercises—flutter kicks, push-ups, planks, and sprints—as routine Division 1 conditioning and questioned whether they qualified as "military-style." He argued that Mayich showed no signs of distress until after Ziesel departed and raised questions about Mayich's pre-arrival training, physical condition, and acclimatization to Arizona heat.
The Arizona State police department is investigating the incident and will submit its report to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for independent review. The university's preliminary internal report, released September 21, found that an athletic trainer assessed Mayich's condition, called 911, and directed students to move him to shade. However, the players' letter alleged the school's reported temperatures (86–89 degrees) understate actual conditions, that only one brief water break occurred rather than two, and that required emergency cooling equipment was absent.
Why This Matters
A 21-year-old college athlete remains hospitalized with severe heat stroke following a sanctioned team workout. The incident has triggered competing accounts of adherence to NCAA and university safety protocols (hydration, emergency equipment, workout intensity), with players citing retaliation concerns that may affect reporting of future safety issues. An independent investigation and law enforcement review are ongoing; outcomes may affect coaching personnel, institutional liability, and NCAA conditioning standards.
Timeline & Sources
Aug 15, 2026
WireMatthew Mayich arrives at Arizona State University (8 days before workout)
Aug 20, 2026
WireOutdoor workout led by Tim Ziesel begins
Sep 29, 2026
WireArizona House and Senate education committee chairs call for independent investigation
Oct 2, 2026
WireASU hockey season scheduled to open against Lindenwood University
Sources
- Matthew Mayich Arizona State Hockey D2d24c1d69f235222f10f69ddbd1d9ceapWireSep 28, 2026
- Matthew Mayich Arizona State Hockey A700a0b939f5a4faf7924404a9f47926apWireSep 29, 2026
- Mayich family calls for ASU hockey coaches’ removal amid investigationAZ FamilyMediaSep 29, 2026
- Parents of hospitalized Arizona State hockey player call for coaches to be placed on leaveNBC NewsMediaSep 30, 2026
- ASU hockey players dispute school review of teammate's collapseESPNMediaSep 30, 2026