ASU Hockey Player Matthew Mayich Faces Irreversible Damage After Heatstroke Collapse
Attorneys for the family of Arizona State University hockey player Matthew Mayich have declared his condition irreversible following a heatstroke collapse during an outdoor workout. Mayich, a 21-year-old defenseman drafted by the St. Louis Blues, remains hospitalized in critical condition after collapsing on August 20. While ASU is conducting an internal review of the incident, the family is demanding an independent investigation and potential policy changes to prevent similar tragedies.
Key points
- Robert Carey, attorney for Mayich’s family, stated that the player’s condition is irreversible and distinct from a coma, as his body has ceased functioning fundamentally.
- Mayich collapsed during an August 20 outdoor workout led by a third-party instructor with a military background, shortly after arriving from Ottawa, Canada.
- ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini confirmed the university is reviewing the incident and related protocols but clarified it is not an investigation into wrongdoing.
- The family’s legal team is pushing for an independent inquiry and potential lawsuits, citing a lack of acclimatization and strict rules against water breaks during the workout.
- ASU maintains it follows National Athletic Trainers’ Association heat-illness guidelines and has institutional requirements for outside entities interacting with student-athletes.
Background
This incident follows earlier reports from September 2026 detailing Mayich’s collapse during a 60-minute outdoor session at ASU’s football stadium. Previous coverage highlighted the involvement of Tim Ziesel, a non-university instructor with a Green Beret background, and the family’s criticism of ASU’s initial response. The case has drawn attention to broader issues regarding third-party athletic training and safety protocols in hot climates.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical gaps in athletic safety protocols, particularly regarding third-party trainers and heat management in extreme climates. It may lead to significant policy changes across Arizona universities and potentially set a legal precedent for student-athlete liability in training environments.
What to watch
The family’s attorneys are currently collecting facts and conducting interviews, with a potential lawsuit on the horizon. ASU’s Senior Vice President James Rund is leading an internal review of the workout and university policies, which may result in new safety standards for outdoor training and third-party vendor oversight.
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