Full Breakdown
Arizona State Hockey Workout Leaves Player in Coma, Triggers Calls for Independent Investigation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On August 20, 2026, Arizona State University men’s hockey players held an outdoor conditioning session in Tempe. Sophomore defenseman Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old Canadian drafted by the St. Louis Blues, collapsed and was placed on life support. He remains in a coma, according to his family’s attorney.
Background & Context
The drill, described as “military-style,” was led by former U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Ziesel. An internal review released in September noted the coaching staff did not submit a formal training plan to the university’s strength-and-conditioning office and recorded a water break roughly 20 minutes into the 75-minute workout. Players allege the break occurred 35–45 minutes in, lasted only seconds, and was offered to only eight athletes who finished a bear-crawl drill first.
Data & Statistics
- Seven players signed a 26-page anonymous letter demanding action.
- The workout began around 7:05 a.m. and ended with Mayich’s collapse at roughly 8:23 a.m. (players’ account).
- Arizona’s August heat regularly reaches triple-digit °F.
- Mayich was a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Official Statements & Responses
Arizona House and Senate education committee chairs Matt Gress and Hildy Angius urged the Arizona Board of Regents to retain an independent investigator, citing unanswered questions about policy compliance and athlete protection.
ASU President Michael Crow acknowledged receipt of the players’ letter but offered no comment.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said the county will review all materials related to the ongoing ASU Police investigation and that opening a separate criminal probe “is not wise.”
Head coach Greg Powers declined to discuss the Rund report or the police investigation, stating he believes he is the right person to lead the program.
Criticism & Opposition
Attorney Buddy Rake, representing Ziesel, contested the players’ account of water availability and workout intensity, asserting that water breaks follow the university’s hydration policy and questioning whether the session was “punishing” by Division I standards.
> “The workout was not punishing unless you consider flutter kicks, pushups, planks, and sprints punishing.” — Buddy Rake
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Water breaks: Review reports a break 20 minutes in; players claim the only break occurred 35–45 minutes in and lasted seconds.
- Monitoring: Review states Mayich was seated upright twice after collapse; players allege he remained in direct sunlight for several minutes before teammates moved him to shade.
- Medical response: Players say no cold-water immersion tub, ice, or stretcher was available, contrary to ASU’s heat-illness policy. Review notes the trainer instructed Mayich to remain on the ground.
- Training plan: Both sources agree no formal plan was submitted, but differ on whether Ziesel possessed required first-aid certifications.
What’s Next
- The Arizona Board of Regents has been asked to appoint an independent investigator by October 2, the scheduled season opener.
- The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will receive the ASU Police report for independent review once completed.
- Players have requested an interim coaching staff, suggesting former NHL player Shane Doan as a candidate.
The dispute centers on whether ASU’s heat-safety policies were followed, how the workout was planned and supervised, and what accountability measures are appropriate for the coaching staff and outside consultant.