On August 20, 2024, Matthew Mayich, a 21‑year‑old defenseman for Arizona State University’s hockey team, collapsed during a strenuous, military‑style workout and was immediately transported to a hospital, where he remains under intensive care.
His family has publicly demanded an independent investigation, asserting that Mayich was left on the ground for several minutes without water, cooling measures, or prompt medical attention, a claim that adds a layer of urgency to the already serious nature of his condition.
The workout was overseen by Tim Ziesel, a former Green Beret who leads the session, and the circumstances surrounding his involvement have become a focal point for investigators seeking to determine whether proper safety protocols were observed.
Medical reports indicate that Mayich’s condition is extremely grave; a family lawyer has stated that he has a “zero chance” of recovery, underscoring the severity of the incident and the family’s anguish.
Career Highlights
Mayich’s junior career in the Ontario Hockey League with the Ottawa 67’s spanned four seasons, during which he recorded 99 points in 256 games and served as an alternate captain in his final two years, establishing himself as a reliable defensive presence.
The St. Louis Blues selected him with the 170th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, integrating him into their development system, and after his OHL tenure he transferred to Clarkson University, where he contributed seven goals and eight assists in 34 games as a freshman.
He later moved to Arizona State University for the 2026‑27 season, entering as a sophomore defenseman and expected to bring size and NCAA experience to the program’s blue line.
Arizona State University issued a public statement expressing solidarity with Mayich, marking the first official acknowledgment of his status since the collapse and reaffirming the university’s commitment to his well‑being.