On August 20, 2024, a 21‑year‑old Arizona State University hockey player, Matthew Mayich, collapsed during a mandatory outdoor conditioning drill in Tempe. The session, held under a sun that pushed temperatures into the high 80s, left the forward gasping and unconscious, prompting emergency responders to rush him to the Barrow Neurological Institute, where he remains in a coma.
The drill was overseen by Tim Ziesel, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret who has built a reputation for imposing military‑style workouts on college athletes. Ziesel, who also serves as a part‑time chaplain and recently completed seminary studies after a 2023 motorcycle crash, has not offered any public explanation for the incident, leaving both university officials and the player’s family without comment.
Mayich, a native of Ottawa who was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft, had transferred to ASU for the 2026 season after stints in the Ontario Hockey League and junior ranks. His sudden hospitalization shocked teammates, friends, and the broader hockey community, prompting an outpouring of prayers that have been shared across North America.
University Response and Ongoing Investigation
Arizona State University has opened an internal review of the circumstances that led to the workout, emphasizing that the inquiry is being conducted with respect for privacy and safety protocols. The university’s athletic director, Graham Rossini, and head coach, Greg Powers, have declined to address questions about Ziesel’s role or the conditions of the exercise.
Community Support and Ongoing Vigils
Family members, friends, and fellow players have organized daily prayer vigils outside the hospital, while social media platforms have become a conduit for messages of solidarity from fans, coaches, and former teammates. The collective hope is that Mayich’s recovery will inspire a broader conversation about safeguarding young athletes.
Looking Ahead
While the university has not released a timeline for when the investigation will conclude, the episode underscores the need for transparent oversight of extracurricular training activities. Stakeholders await further updates, hoping for clarity and, ultimately, the safe return of Mayich to the ice.