Arizona State University is investigating an extreme, military-style workout that led to the collapse and hospitalization of hockey player Matthew Mayich, 21, who remains in a coma.
The incident occurred last Thursday following an outdoor training session in Phoenix, which was under an extreme heat warning with temperatures reaching a high of 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The average temperature on the day of the workout was 92.5 degrees.
The session was led by Tim Ziesel, a former Green Beret and non-university employee. Details emerging from the workout describe it as "both atypical and extreme." Players reportedly engaged in sprints, planks, push-ups, and bear crawls, with an emphasis on repeating instructions and maintaining correct exercise counts. Failure to meet these demands or falling behind resulted in additional exercises or sprints. Players were allegedly instructed not to complain.
The workout concluded with a run carrying a medicine ball the length of a football field and back. Reports indicate the instructor had left before this final activity was completed.
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue responded to a call about a "heat-related illness" at Sun Angel Stadium on the ASU campus around 8:31 a.m. Medical crews treated Mayich at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital.
Mayich, a sophomore defenseman, transferred to Arizona State this offseason from Clarkson University. He was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Blues organization and his former team, the Ottawa 67's, have expressed their support and concern for Mayich and his family.
An ASU spokesperson confirmed the university is reviewing the circumstances, stating that "heat guidelines are in place, informed by the National Athletic Trainers' Association." The university also has institutional guidelines for third-party interactions with student-athletes. The review will examine all aspects of the workout, including adherence to institutional and NCAA guidelines. NCAA rules permit formal hockey activities to commence after the start of classes, which for ASU's fall semester was last Thursday.
NCAA heat safety guidelines note that players new to a program and climate may be at increased risk, a factor that may be considered in the university's review. Mayich was among 18 new players to join the ASU team this season.