An investigation is currently underway after Arizona State University defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed during a team workout in late August. The incident occurred on August 20, the first day of classes for the fall semester, when Mayich was participating in conditioning drills. First responders arrived at the scene following reports of a heat-related illness, and the player was transported to a local hospital.
He has since been moved to the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.
Mayich’s attorney, Robert Carey, stated that the temperature during the session was between 87 and 89 degrees. Carey told the Arizona Republic that the workout was led by Tim Ziesel, a former Green Beret soldier, who directed the team through demanding exercises. According to Carey, multiple players reported that Ziesel instructed them not to complain and that water was restricted to those leading the drills.
Carey alleged that Mayich displayed signs of distress and disorientation before the collapse.
Ziesel has disputed these characterizations. He stated that he left the track before Mayich collapsed and described the routine as similar to standard high school football conditioning. Ziesel’s attorney emphasized that the session was not a military-style workout and noted that coaching and medical staff were present. The former soldier had volunteered to lead the session at the request of head coach Greg Powers.
Mayich, a sophomore who transferred from Clarkson University this summer, was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Prior to his time at Clarkson, he spent four years with the Ottawa 67s in the Ontario Hockey League.
