The parents of Arizona State University hockey player Matthew Mayich are publicly calling for the removal of the coaching staff involved in an August 20 outdoor training session. The sophomore defenseman was hospitalized after the workout. John and Christina Mayich issued a statement through their attorney on Tuesday, urging university leadership to place the coaches on administrative leave while an independent investigation determines accountability for the incident.
- Players Dispute University Report and Fear Retaliation
- Legal and Institutional Response
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened to Matthew Mayich?
- Why are Matthew Mayich’s parents demanding coaching changes?
- What have anonymous players alleged about the workout?
- Are authorities investigating the incident?
- When does the ASU hockey season begin?
Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old native of Hamilton, Ontario, and a St. Louis Blues draft pick, collapsed during a morning workout at Sun Angel Stadium just five days after joining the ASU hockey program. According to family attorney Rob Carey, Mayich suffered severe exertional heatstroke. He remains in a coma at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and is unlikely to recover.
Players Dispute University Report and Fear Retaliation
The parents’ demand follows a 26-page letter sent Monday to ASU President Michael Crow by seven anonymous members of the hockey team. Represented by attorney Timothy J. Casey, the players challenged the university’s preliminary internal review released on September 21.
The players stated that the session was a military-style conditioning exercise led by former Green Beret Timothy Ziesel rather than a routine team-building activity. According to the letter, the workout lasted more than 75 minutes in extreme heat, essential safety protocols were ignored, a cold-water immersion tub was missing from the field, and Mayich was denied adequate water breaks. The athletes alleged that extra physical exercise was used as punishment and that the workout continued even after several players showed signs of physical distress.
The anonymous players asked to be placed on administrative leave to protect themselves from potential retaliation. Because head coach Greg Powers and his assistants control playing time, roster placement, and scholarships, the players argued they cannot safely cooperate with investigators while reporting directly to the staff under scrutiny.
“The players shouldn’t have to worry about retaliation from the people they report to every day,” John and Christina Mayich said in their statement. “And there are plenty of former college and pro players in the Valley who could step in and help.”
Legal and Institutional Response
Defense attorneys representing the trainer and university figures have pushed back against elements of the players’ claims. Buddy Rake, attorney for Timothy Ziesel, stated that the workout utilized standard conditioning elements such as pushups, planks, and sprints, and maintained that water breaks adhered to established university hydration policies.
ASU head coach Greg Powers addressed the team’s opening schedule during a National Collegiate Hockey Conference media session but declined to discuss details of the active investigation. Meanwhile, the Arizona Board of Regents planned an executive session to review the matter. State lawmakers, including House Education Committee Chairman Matt Gress and Senate Education Committee Chairman Hildy Angius, have echoed calls for a fully independent investigation.
The ASU Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances of the August 20 workout. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that once the police report is finalized, her office will conduct a thorough, high-level review of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Matthew Mayich?
Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old sophomore defenseman for the Arizona State University hockey team, collapsed from severe exertional heatstroke during an outdoor conditioning workout on August 20, 2026. He remains hospitalized and incapacitated.
Why are Matthew Mayich’s parents demanding coaching changes?
John and Christina Mayich are calling for the coaches who oversaw the August 20 workout to be placed on leave during an independent investigation. They want to ensure complete transparency, accountability, and protection from retaliation for players cooperating with investigators.
What have anonymous players alleged about the workout?
In a letter to ASU President Michael Crow, seven anonymous players alleged that the session was an unsupervised, grueling 75-minute military-style workout led by a former Green Beret, that players were denied proper water access, and that standard safety equipment like a cold-water immersion tub was absent.
Are authorities investigating the incident?
Yes. The ASU Police Department is leading an active investigation into the workout. Upon completion, the findings will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review.
When does the ASU hockey season begin?
The Sun Devils are scheduled to open their regular season games against Lindenwood University, navigating a difficult emotional climate following the tragedy.
