What Happened to Matthew Mayich?
Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old defenseman for Arizona State University's hockey team and a St. Louis Blues draft pick, collapsed into a coma on August 20, 2026, during a military-style outdoor team workout. He remains in critical condition with a poor prognosis, and his family's attorney is demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grueling exercise session.
Quick Answer
ASU hockey player Matthew Mayich is currently in a coma and critical condition after collapsing during a military-style outdoor team workout on August 20, 2026. The 21-year-old defenseman, a St. Louis Blues draft pick, suffered what is believed to be a cardiac event or heat stroke. His family's attorney has stated the prognosis is not good and is calling for a full independent investigation into the university-sanctioned workout.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Matthew Mayich is born in Hamilton, Ontario, beginning his journey to a promising hockey career.
Drafted by Ottawa 67's (OHL)
Mayich is selected 74th overall by the Ottawa 67's in the fourth round of the OHL Priority Selection Draft, beginning his junior career.
Drafted by St. Louis Blues in NHL Draft
The St. Louis Blues select Matthew Mayich in the 6th round, 170th overall, in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Commits to Clarkson University
After four seasons with the Ottawa 67's, Mayich announces his commitment to Clarkson University for the 2025-26 NCAA hockey season.
Scores first collegiate goal for Clarkson
Mayich scores his first collegiate goal in his first collegiate game against Canisius while playing for Clarkson University.
Records multi-point game for Clarkson
Mayich has his second multi-point game of his freshman season, with a goal and an assist against Quinnipiac.
Transfers to Arizona State University
Matthew Mayich's transfer from Clarkson University to Arizona State University for the 2026-27 season is officially confirmed.
Collapses during ASU team workout
Mayich collapses during a military-style outdoor team workout in Tempe, Arizona, and is hospitalized in critical condition.
Family requests prayers; Deacon leads services
Deacon Kevin Barron begins leading prayer services for Mayich at the request of his family, who confirm he is in a coma.
St. Louis Blues issue statement of support
The St. Louis Blues organization releases a statement expressing their thoughts, prayers, and support for Matthew Mayich and his family.
Details emerge on 'military-style' workout
Additional details surface regarding the 'military-style workout,' confirming it was led by a former military service member and was part of a team-building program.
Workout instructor's lawyer speaks
The lawyer for Tim Ziesel, the ex-Green Beret who led the workout, states that Ziesel had left the session before Mayich collapsed.
Reports confirm Mayich remains in coma
Multiple news outlets report that Matthew Mayich remains in a coma and critical condition, 11 days after his collapse.
Family attorney demands independent investigation
Matthew Mayich's family attorney, Leonard Aragon, publicly demands a fully independent investigation into the incident and accountability from ASU, citing a poor prognosis.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Matthew Mayich, born on December 21, 2004, is a promising Canadian defenseman whose hockey career saw him drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round (170th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft after a four-season tenure with the Ottawa 67's in the Ontario Hockey League. He committed to Clarkson University for the 2025-26 NCAA hockey season, where he played his freshman year, before transferring to Arizona State University for the 2026-27 season, with his transfer confirmed on April 13, 2026.
The tragic incident occurred on August 20, 2026, when Mayich collapsed during a military-style outdoor team workout in Tempe, Arizona. The workout, described as 'atypical and extreme,' was led by Tim Ziesel, a former military service member and non-university employee. Reports indicate the session lasted approximately 60 minutes and involved intense exercises like sprints, push-ups, flutter kicks, and carrying teammates, all while temperatures ranged between 87 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mayich was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute, where he has remained in a coma and critical condition. Investigators suspect he suffered a cardiac event or heat stroke. The university initially stated it was reviewing the circumstances, with Athletic Director Graham Rossini declining to answer questions about authorization or staff presence. However, a later statement acknowledged a third party (Ziesel) was present along with coaches and training staff.
The family's attorney, Leonard Aragon, has since demanded a fully independent investigation, alleging that Mayich, who had flown in from Ottawa less than a week prior, did not have adequate time to acclimate to Arizona's heat. Aragon also claimed players were penalized for stopping or drinking water during the strenuous workout. The prognosis for Mayich is unfortunately not good. The St. Louis Blues organization has expressed its support for Mayich and his family, and prayer services have been held by Deacon Kevin Barron at the family's request.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Matthew Mayich made different choices?