Head coach Dave Hakstol of the Seattle Kraken is seen on the bench during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on October 26, 2023, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University announced on Thursday that Dave Hakstol will serve as the new head coach for the men's ice hockey team.
What they're saying:
"We welcome Dave Hakstol and his family to Arizona State University. His success building championship-caliber programs, developing players for the highest level of the sport, and leading organizations in the NHL speaks to his knowledge of the game and his ability to develop talent," ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini said in a news release. "We appreciate Dave’s belief in ASU and look forward to supporting him as we continue to build Sun Devil Hockey into one of the nation’s premier programs."
Before coming to Tempe, Hakstol most recently served as an assistant coach with the NHL's Colorado Avalanche. In 2021, Hakstol was named the first head coach of the Seattle Kraken.
Matthew Mayich incident
The backstory:
Hakstol replaces Greg Powers, who was placed on administrative leave after an off-season workout left ASU player Matthew Mayich hospitalized in critical condition. Mayich's family says his condition has not improved and he remains in a coma.
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Community rallies for ASU hockey player in coma
Thousands of fans wore yellow pins with jersey No. 27 at Mullett Arena for ASU hockey's home opener to support hospitalized player Matthew Mayich. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean has the details.
On Aug. 20, Mayich, 21, collapsed during the team's first official first practice of the 2026-27 season. The workout was led by a former Green Beret and was held outdoors at Sun Angel Stadium. At the time of the workout, the temperature was in the mid-80s, with 51% humidity.
Greg Powers put on leave
Dig deeper:
Following Mayich's collapse, ASU hockey head coach Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into the incident. Mike Cobett was named as the team's interim coach.
FOX 10's Robby Baker reports the university and Powers have reached an agreement to part ways.
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from an Oct. 15, 2026, news release by Arizona State University, an X post by Robby Baker, and previous FOX 10 reports on Greg Powers and Matthew Mayich.