Shocking details of military workout led by ex-Green Beret that has left college hockey star, 21, in coma
Shocking new details have emerged of the brutal, military-style outdoor workout that left a rising hockey star in a critical condition in hospital.
Arizona State star Matthew Mayich, 21, collapsed following a training session last Thursday and is still in a coma fighting for his life in hospital.
Prayers have flooded in for Mayich in Arizona and his hometown, Ontario while the circumstances surrounding his possible cardiac event are being investigated.
It has now emerged that the outdoor workout lasted around an hour and was considered ‘both atypical and extreme’, according to The Athletic.
The workout took place in Phoenix, which has been experiencing high temperatures with an extreme heat warning in place. The average temperature on the day it took place was 92.5 degrees, with an afternoon high of 106 degrees.
The session was led by an ex-Green Beret, Tim Ziesel, who was initially identified by The Arizona Republic. The former US special forces service member is a non-university employee and has declined to talk about the workout, saying he ‘didn’t know the whole situation’.
Matthew Miyech collapsed after a workout at Arizona State last week
The 21-year-old, a former NHL Draft pick, is in a critical condition in hospital in a coma
Players reportedly were put through their paces in a grueling session consisting of sprints, planks, push-ups and bear crawls. There was an emphasis on repeating instructions back to the instructor and keeping correct count of each exercise.
Players were allegedly forced to complete extra sprints or exercises if they failed either task or lagged behind other groups. It is claimed by The Athletic they were also told not to complain.
The final activity was a run with a medicine ball the length of a football field and back, but the instructor is said to have left before that section was completed.
The Phoenix-based school confirmed earlier this week it was launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Chris Fiscus, Vice President of ASU media relations, said: ‘A student-athlete who collapsed during an outdoor exercise Thursday morning remains hospitalized.
‘The student-athlete, a member of the ASU hockey team, is not being named by the university because of privacy interests. The university is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the workout.’
After the new details emerged, an ASU spokesperson told the Daily Mail that ‘there are heat guidelines in place, informed by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
‘The university also has institutional guidelines and requirements relating to the engagement of third parties or outside entities who interact with ASU student-athletes and sports programs. The university review will look at all aspects of last week’s workout.’
Under NCAA rules, college hockey teams are allowed to start formal activities as soon as classes have started. ASU’s fall semester began last Thursday.
Mayich transferred to Arizona State this offseason from Clarkson University
New details have emerged regarding the workout that took place before Miyech collapsed
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue responded to calls of a ‘heat-related illness’ at 400 S. Rural Road, which is the address for Sun Angel Stadium, at around 8:31am.
Sun Angel Stadium is an outdoor track and field facility located on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
The crews are said to have treated the patient on site before transporting him to a local hospital.
‘Even though we are going through this heartbreak, it is truly such a blessing to see everyone praying and just the impact Matthew has had on so many people,’ Mayich’s cousin, Victoria Beara, said per The Arizona Republic.
Mayich, a sophomore defenseman, started his college career at Clarkson before transferring to Arizona State this offseason.
He was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft and attended two prospect camps with the team in 2023 and 2024 but never signed an entry-level contract.
‘The entire Blues organization is keeping Matthew Mayich close to our hearts as we pray for his comfort and recovery while he continues to undergo medical treatment in Arizona,’ the Blues’ statement said.
‘His agent has kept us informed about Matthew’s medical status over the last week, and we extend our deepest support to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.’
After being drafted, he finished a four-year career with the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s. He then joined Clarkson for the 2025-26 season, scoring 15 points on seven goals and eight assists.
‘The Ottawa 67’s are aware of the hospitalization of our former assistant captain, Matthew Mayich, and are keeping him and his family in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,’ the 67’s said in a release. ‘Out of respect for Matthew and his family’s privacy, the organization will not provide further comment at this time.’
Following the end of last season, Mayich announced in March that he would be transferring to ASU this season. He was one of 18 new players to join the team and NCAA heat safety guidelines note that players new to a program and climate could be particularly at risk.