Matthew Mayich, a freshman defenseman for Arizona State University’s hockey program, remains in a neurological center after collapsing during an off‑ice workout on August 20.
The workout, overseen by former Green Beret Tim Ziesel and attended by the coaching staff, took place in 80‑degree heat with humidity above 40 percent. Players were required to acclimatize for a week beforehand and were supposed to have access to a cold tub and regular water breaks, but reports indicate those safety measures were not followed, leaving some participants with limited hydration.
Robert Carey, the family’s lawyer, has asserted that Mayich had no pre‑existing medical conditions and that ASU’s safety protocols were ignored, demanding an independent investigation and urging the university to hire an outside firm to oversee the probe.
Legal and Administrative Response
Arizona State University has launched its own internal inquiry, with athletic director Graham Rossini stating that multiple university units are working to understand the circumstances and to implement corrective actions moving forward.
Despite the tragedy, the Sun Devils’ coaching staff and the first game of the season, scheduled for October 2 against Lindenwood University, are proceeding as planned, and no players have expressed interest in leaving the program.
Mayich’s background includes four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and a prior stint at Clarkson University before his transfer to ASU, underscoring his experience despite his young age.
Critics point out that ASU’s policies mandate a week of acclimatization and provision of a cold tub, both of which appear to have been disregarded during the August workout, raising concerns about compliance and player safety.
The university continues to examine the incident, while the family’s legal team pursues an independent review; the outcome of these investigations will determine any further disciplinary steps.