The family of Matthew Mayich, a promising NHL prospect currently in a critical condition, has expressed serious concern over the handling of his case by Arizona State University (ASU) following his sudden collapse during a workout on 20 August. The incident has sparked calls for accountability from the university, highlighting what the family contends was improper management of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mayich’s medical emergency.
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Mayich, a 21-year-old athlete who had previously begun his college hockey career at Clarkson University before transferring to ASU, suffers from a grave condition after collapsing during an outdoor military-style workout. This session took place at ASU’s Joe Selleh Track in Tempe and involved a series of demanding physical exercises, including sprints, push-ups, planks, and bear crawls, lasting approximately 60 minutes.
An attorney representing the Mayich family, Rob Carey, claimed in statements to the media that details surrounding the workout indicate it was excessively strenuous. He stated, “We already have leads suggesting ASU is not handling this responsibly.” Carey has also implied that members of the coaching staff should be placed on administrative leave following the incident, a request that emphasises the family’s demand for accountability. “It’s essential that the right actions are taken during this investigation, even if they are difficult,” he added.
Carey’s remarks come amidst the family’s assertion that Mayich has “zero chance of recovery,” reflecting the dire nature of his current hospitalisation. As concerns mount, many are questioning ASU’s protocols and the nature of the workout overseen by Tim Ziesel, who voluntarily led the session. Despite references to the workout not being excessively demanding from Ziesel’s legal representative, the family’s attorney remains adamant that the conditions were hazardous.
Further complicating matters is the fact that Arizona was experiencing an extreme heat warning on the day of the workout, raising additional concerns regarding the suitability of the training regimen and the potential risks involved. This weather factor, along with the nature of the exercises, has led the family’s lawyer to assert that it constituted a dangerous environment for the athletes involved.
The family has indicated that it seeks to gather a comprehensive record of the events of that day, including text messages and videos that may have been deleted. This pursuit reflects a broader trend of families seeking transparency and culpability in similar cases involving athletic training programmes. Carey affirmed that he would utilise all available resources to uncover the relevant communications from the day of the incident.
The hockey community has responded with support for Mayich, with prayer services and vigils being held in his honour. The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a virtual prayer session on social media, expressing the community’s solidarity and support for Mayich and his family through this challenging time.
Matthew Mayich was originally selected in the sixth round of the NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues in 2023, positioning him as a promising player in the sport. His journey from Canada to university hockey in the United States underscores both his talent and the expectations placed upon young athletes in competitive environments.
As both the university and the Mayich family continue to navigate the complexities of this situation, questions remain about the responsibilities of educational institutions in ensuring the safety and well-being of their student-athletes. The calls for accountability and action following this incident reflect a growing awareness within the sporting community regarding the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, particularly in physically demanding training conditions.
The investigation into Matthew Mayich’s collapse not only concerns the circumstances of a single tragic event but also serves as a catalyst for important discussions about athlete welfare and institutional responsibility across collegiate sports in the US.