ASU Hockey Player’s Collapse Exposes Policy Failures: No Contract, No Vetting, No Acclimatization

Key points

• Tim Zeisel, the former Green Beret who led the workout, reportedly had only a handshake agreement with ASU hockey coach Greg Powers and did not sign the required consultant policy form or undergo vetting.
• Mayich, 21, flew from Ottawa, Canada, less than a week before the workout, violating ASU guidelines that require student-athletes to acclimatize over seven to 14 days.
• Family attorneys allege Zeisel punished athletes for stopping or drinking water and that staff failed to place Mayich in ice or a bath after he collapsed, leaving him on the field.
• ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini stated the university is conducting a review, not an investigation, while the Mayich family has requested an independent probe by the Phoenix Police Department or Attorney General.
• Mayich, a 2023 NHL Draft pick by the St. Louis Blues, remains hospitalized with no chance of recovery, according to his family’s attorney Robert Carey.

Background

This incident follows earlier reports (Aug 28–Sep 3) that Mayich collapsed during a grueling, heat-heavy session at Sun Angel Stadium. Previous coverage noted ASU police were reviewing potential criminal acts and that the family had already requested an independent investigation due to concerns over negligence and unsafe conditions.

How outlets are covering it

KTAR and The New York Post both rely heavily on reporting from The Arizona Republic’s Robert Anglen to highlight the lack of a formal contract and vetting process for Zeisel. While both outlets agree on the policy violations, The New York Post emphasizes the immediate failure to provide emergency cooling (ice/bath) after the collapse, whereas KTAR focuses more on the procedural breach of the consultant policy form. Both sources note that Zeisel and his attorney dispute the characterization of the workout as 'military-style' or 'grueling,' claiming he left early, while family attorneys maintain the session was punishing and that athletes were penalized for hydrating.

Why it matters

The case raises significant questions about the safety protocols and oversight of outside consultants in collegiate athletics. The alleged failure to vet a trainer and adhere to acclimatization guidelines could lead to legal liability for ASU and set a precedent for how universities manage external fitness instructors. The family’s push for an independent investigation may result in broader scrutiny of heat-illness policies across college sports.

What to watch

ASU Senior Vice President James Rund is currently conducting a review of the incident and related policies. The Mayich family is continuing to gather facts and may file a lawsuit. They are awaiting a response from ASU regarding their request for an independent investigation by external authorities such as the Phoenix Police Department or the Arizona Attorney General.