Concerns are mounting for the well-being of Arizona State University (ASU) hockey player Matthew Mayich, who remains in a coma following a grueling, military-style outdoor workout session held in extreme heat last month. The incident has prompted an investigation by local police and raised serious questions about the training practices employed by the team. Mayich, a 21-year-old defenseman, collapsed after the demanding session and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. The circumstances surrounding the workout, described as both unusual and extreme, are under scrutiny, particularly given the high temperatures in Phoenix at the time.

Investigation Underway into Extreme Hockey Practice

The Arizona State police department has reportedly begun interviewing members of the Sun Devils men’s hockey team as part of their inquiry. However, the attorney representing the Mayich family, Rob Carey, has voiced concerns that current players may be hesitant to speak openly due to fear of repercussions. According to Carey, these athletes are worried about jeopardizing their scholarships, the stability of the hockey program, or their playing time if they provide testimony that is critical of the coaching staff or the workout itself.

“These kids are scared,” Carey stated. “The ones that are still there, they’re scared. They think they might lose their scholarships. They think the program might crumble. They might not get playing time if they cross the coach.” He emphasized the need for a safe environment for witnesses to share their accounts truthfully, urging transparency from the university and the coaching staff.

Carey further elaborated on the alleged inadequacies of the training session, stating, “I already know what’s going on. I’ve talked to enough people where I know what happened on the field that day. 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 Mayich family is advocating for a comprehensive investigation and has suggested the suspension of coaches during the probe.

Extreme Heat Conditions During Workout

The outdoor workout took place in Phoenix, a region experiencing significantly high temperatures. On the day of the incident, the average temperature was reported to be 92.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with a peak afternoon high reaching 106 degrees Fahrenheit. An extreme heat warning was in effect for the area at the time. The session was reportedly led by Tim Ziesel, a former Green Beret and a contractor not employed directly by the university. Ziesel has reportedly declined to comment on the specifics of the workout, citing a lack of full knowledge of the situation.

Details emerging about the workout suggest a rigorous regimen that included sprints, planks, push-ups, and bear crawls. Players were allegedly required to repeat instructions back to the instructor and maintain precise counts for each exercise. Failure to meet these requirements or falling behind other groups reportedly resulted in additional sprints or exercises. Reports also indicate that players were instructed not to complain during the session.

The final component of the training was described as a run covering the length of a football field while carrying a medicine ball, a task that was allegedly ongoing when the instructor departed. The Athletic has reported claims that players were told not to complain during the intense drills.

University Response and Player Background

Arizona State University confirmed it had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the workout. Chris Fiscus, Vice President of ASU Media Relations, stated that the university was reviewing the situation but withheld the student-athlete’s name due to privacy concerns. An ASU spokesperson later indicated that the university has established heat guidelines, informed by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and institutional requirements for third-party interactions with student-athletes. The ongoing review aims to examine all facets of the training session.

Matthew 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 and participated in their prospect camps in 2023 and 2024, though he did not sign an entry-level contract. The St. Louis Blues organization has expressed its support for Mayich and his family, stating they are keeping him in their thoughts and prayers for a full recovery. His agent has been providing updates on his medical status.

Prior to his college career at ASU, Mayich played four seasons with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League, serving as an assistant captain. He then joined Clarkson for the 2025-26 season, where he recorded 15 points. The Ottawa 67’s organization has also extended its thoughts to Mayich and his family during this challenging period. NCAA guidelines on heat safety highlight that athletes new to a program or climate may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, a factor that may be considered in the university’s review.

Conclusion

The serious health condition of Matthew Mayich following an extreme workout has ignited a critical investigation into the safety protocols and training methods within the Arizona State hockey program. As the police and university delve into the details of the incident, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences. The concerns raised by the Mayich family’s attorney about player apprehension underscore the sensitive nature of the ongoing inquiry and the need for a thorough, unbiased examination of the events that led to this tragic outcome.