Several Arizona State University hockey players are calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding teammate Matthew Mayich’s collapse during an outdoor training session. Mayich was rushed to hospital after suffering what his family’s attorney described as heat stroke and losing oxygen to his brain, leaving him on life support with little expectation of recovery. In an anonymous letter, seven teammates reportedly asked for head coach Tim Ziesel and his staff to be placed on leave while the incident is investigated. The players said the workout lasted more than 75 minutes and that the first water break came roughly 35 to 45 minutes into the session. They also alleged that exercise was sometimes used as punishment and raised concerns about how the coaching staff and athletic trainer responded when Mayich collapsed during medicine-ball relays.

The players further claimed that Mayich was not effectively cooled before emergency medical services arrived approximately 17 minutes after his collapse. According to their letter, the athletic trainer sat him upright twice, which they said was inconsistent with medical guidance for suspected heat stroke, while no effective cooling measures were used. They argued that placing the coaching staff on leave would allow an independent investigation to proceed without forcing players to risk scholarships, roster positions or playing time by speaking out. The family’s attorney has said Mayich is unlikely to recover from the severe brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation. Arizona State University had been contacted for comment regarding the allegations. The players emphasized that their request was intended to ensure the circumstances surrounding Mayich’s medical emergency are thoroughly examined and that their concerns can be addressed fairly.