Arizona State University is investigating the circumstances surrounding a brutal military-style workout that left freshman hockey player Matthew Mayich in a coma. The 21-year-old collapsed last month following the session, which took place in soaring temperatures in Phoenix.
Mayich remains hospitalized in critical condition. His family's attorney, Rob Carey, stated that other members of the Sun Devils hockey team are reportedly fearful of speaking out about the incident due to concerns over losing scholarships, the program's stability, or their own playing time.
"These kids are scared," Carey told Us Weekly. "They think they might lose their scholarships. They think the program might crumble. They might not get playing time if they cross the coach."
The workout, described as "both atypical and extreme" by Mayich's family, reportedly lasted about an hour and involved strenuous exercises like sprints, planks, push-ups, and bear crawls. Players were allegedly required to repeat instructions and perform extra drills if they fell behind or failed to comply, with reports indicating they were told not to complain.
Phoenix experienced high temperatures on the day of the workout, with an average temperature of 92.5 degrees Fahrenheit and an afternoon high reaching 106 degrees. An extreme heat warning was in effect.
The session was led by Tim Ziesel, an ex-Green Beret and a non-university employee. Ziesel has reportedly declined to comment on the workout, stating he did not know the full situation.
According to The Athletic, the final exercise was a medicine ball run the length of a football field and back, but the instructor allegedly left before this portion was completed. Carey claims that the training staff was unprepared for the likelihood of heat stroke.
"I already know what's going on. I've talked to enough people where I know what happened on the field that day," Carey said. "When I get my facts out, it's going to be…it's horrific. They didn't plan it right, they didn't execute it right and they weren't prepared for the likely scenario of heat stroke. They were utterly unprepared for it."
The Arizona State police department has begun questioning team members as part of their investigation. Carey urged for coaches to be suspended during the probe and for greater transparency from the university.
An ASU spokesperson confirmed the university's review, stating, "A student-athlete who collapsed during an outdoor exercise Thursday morning remains hospitalized. The student-athlete, a member of the ASU hockey team, is not being named by the university because of privacy interests. The university is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workout."
The university also stated that heat guidelines are in place, informed by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, and that institutional guidelines exist for engaging third-party trainers. The review will examine all aspects of the workout.
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 expressed their support for Mayich and his family. His former team, the Ottawa 67's, also offered their thoughts during this difficult time.