Arizona State University hockey player Matthew Mayich is in a coma with "zero chance of recovery" after collapsing during an outdoor team workout on August 20, according to his family's lawyer, Robert Carey.
Carey stated that Mayich, a 21-year-old sophomore defenseman, exhibited disorientation and struggled prior to his collapse at the school's track. He was initially taken to a local hospital and later transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he remains with his family.
The university has indicated it is conducting a thorough review of the incident. However, Carey disputed the university's description of the workout as "minimal, soft and easy." He stated that multiple players described the 50-minute session, led by retired Special Forces veteran Tim Ziesel, as "grueling" and "unbearably hard," with Ziesel allegedly yelling at players from the outset.
According to Carey, players were instructed not to complain, and water availability was limited to those leading exercises. He also claimed players fear retaliation, such as losing scholarships or their positions, if they speak out. Carey recommended that coaches and staff be suspended or placed on administrative leave to allow for a proper investigation and interviews with witnesses.
Ziesel's attorney, Buddy Rake, told The Arizona Republic that the workout was not designed to be extreme and that head coaches, assistant coaches, and medical staff were present. Rake stated that the first day of Ziesel's workout included approximately 50 minutes of sprints, push-ups, flutter kicks, running with medicine balls, and carrying teammates. Ziesel is reportedly willing to meet with Mayich's parents.
Mayich, a native of Stoney Creek, Ontario, began his college career at Clarkson University before transferring to Arizona State this offseason. He was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Last season with Clarkson, he recorded 15 points with seven goals and eight assists in 34 games.