A 21-year-old Arizona State University hockey player collapsed during an outdoor workout in August, leaving him in critical condition, as a university review found coaches failed to submit a training plan for approval, according to multiple sources.
Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old St. Louis Blues draft pick, collapsed during an August 20 workout at Sun Angel Stadium on ASU’s Tempe campus, leaving him in stable but critical condition. A university review led by James Rund, ASU’s senior vice-president of educational outreach, found that hockey coaches had not submitted a training plan for review by strength and conditioning staff before the session, a key violation of policies.
University Review Calls for Independent Panel
The report recommended forming a blue-ribbon advisory panel
to overhaul athletic safety protocols, including training plan approvals, emergency response, and use of outside consultants. ASU’s athletic director, Graham Rossini, downplayed the incident, stating the university was just reviewing the facts and understanding the scenario.
However, Carey criticized the lack of accountability, noting that a month later, nobody’s been named, nobody’s been suspended, nobody’s been fired.
Legal Challenges and Calls for Accountability
Mayich’s lawyer, Rob Carey, accused ASU of negligence, citing a military-style, brutal, gruelling workout
with no breaks and limited water. When Matthew went down, there was no plan and no preparation,
Carey said, adding that the lack of protocol hurt his chances rather than helped them.
The family’s lawyer also called for an independent investigation, urging the county attorney to step in after ASU’s internal review failed to produce concrete action.
Carey highlighted that Mayich, who played minor hockey with the Hamilton Huskies before playing at Clarkson University and transferring to ASU, was in “perfect health” prior to the workout. We know Matthew’s a fighter and we’re hoping he pulls through this,
his father, John Mayich, told CBC, but the family is still praying for a miracle. The NHL’s St. Louis Blues expressed support, with president Doug Armstrong stating the organization is keeping Matthew Mayich close to our hearts
as he undergoes treatment.
Training Coordinator’s Role and Policy Violations
Tim Ziesel, an ex-Green Beret who led the workout, was allowed to conduct the session based on a handshake agreement
with ASU staff, according to his attorney. Ziesel, who had previously spoken to the ASU hockey team about leadership, was not required to sign a contract, an apparent violation of school policies, as reported by USAToday. The lack of formal oversight raised questions about how the workout was authorized.
ASU’s police department confirmed it was investigating the incident, calling it a standard procedure
for such severity. However, the university’s internal review, which includes recommendations for policy changes, has yet to result in disciplinary action. A committee isn’t going to tell us why grown men with a rulebook in their hands let this happen,
Carey said, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Mayich’s condition remains critical, with his family expressing hope for a miracle but acknowledging the grim reality. Even if that happens, we will never have the young man who came to Arizona last month, a hockey star and (by all accounts) a wonderful person,
his mother, Christina, said. The case has sparked broader scrutiny of NCAA athletics, particularly the safety of first-day workouts and the enforcement of training protocols.