ASU Hockey Collapse: Parents and Players Demand Coaches’ Removal Amid Investigation

ASU Hockey Inquiry Intensifies as Family and Players Demand Coaching Staff Overhaul

The parents of Matthew Mayich, an Arizona State University sophomore defenseman from Ontario, Canada who collapsed during an August 20 outdoor workout in Tempe and remains hospitalized with an unlikely chance of a full recovery, are calling for the removal of the coaches who ran the session, citing fears of retaliation amid ongoing investigations by ASU police.

The August 20 Workout and Diverging Accounts

Matthew Mayich collapsed on August 20 during an outdoor conditioning session in Tempe led by former Green Beret Timothy Ziesel. According to a statement released on Tuesday through their attorney, John and Christina Mayich want the coaches involved in the workout removed during the investigation to ensure players do not worry about retaliation from supervisors. Seven anonymous players previously sent a letter to ASU President Michael Crow challenging the university’s report, alleging Ziesel lacked a background check or safety certifications and that the session was a military-style conditioning workout where the only water break lasted seconds and was limited to eight players, excluding Mayich.

Conversely, Ziesel’s attorney Buddy Rake pushed back against the players’ accounts. Rake stated that no players vomited or were denied water, asserting that water breaks were determined strictly by the coaching staff under university hydration policy. Rake noted that the workout consisted of flutter kicks, pushups, planks, and sprints, questioning whether critics had ever witnessed a D1 preseason workout. Rake added that emails from a coach indicated Mayich did not show signs of struggle until after Ziesel departed, and that six coaches and trainers were present during the exercise.

Front-Office Pressure and Institutional Scrutiny

The unfolding crisis places intense pressure on the university administration as ASU police investigate the circumstances surrounding the workout before submitting their findings to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Both the Mayich family and the anonymous players have urged that the investigation be turned over to an outside agency and that the coaching staff be placed on leave.

Despite the severe administrative turbulence, the Mayich family emphasized support for the team’s upcoming campaign. In their statement, John and Christina Mayich noted they want the team to have a great season and will be cheering for the players, adding that there are plenty of former college and pro players in the Valley who could step in and help.

ASU Hockey Season Context and Investigation Timeline

Event / Milestone	Date	Status / Key Detail
Outdoor Conditioning Workout	August 20	Session led in Tempe; Matthew Mayich collapses
Players’ Letter to President Crow	A day before the family statement	Seven anonymous players challenge university report and call for staff leave
Mayich Family Statement	Tuesday	Parents call for removal of workout coaches to prevent retaliation
Season Opener	October 2	Scheduled fixture against Lindenwood University in Missouri

The Road Ahead for Sun Devil Hockey

As Arizona State prepares to travel for its season opener at Lindenwood University, the immediate focus centers on player safety and institutional transparency. With police and prosecutorial reviews underway, the program faces a critical juncture in balancing competitive readiness with accountability.