ASU Hockey Player Collapses During Workout; Players and Family Demand Coach Removal

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.