What Happened
Arizona State appointed former NHL bench boss Dave Hakstol as its new hockey coach, succeeding Greg Powers. Powers stated he mutually agreed to leave his role as the Sun Devils head coach while the university investigates an outdoor workout that hospitalized 21-year-old player Matthew Mayich. Mayich suffered a severe heat stroke that limited oxygen flow to his brain and is unlikely to recover. Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini announced the hiring of Hakstol, who joins the program after serving as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche. The university tasked former state Supreme Court chief justice Scott Bales with conducting an independent review of the incident, with completion requested by early December.
Key Details
- Dave Hakstol previously coached the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken in the NHL.
- Greg Powers was placed on administrative leave last month prior to his departure.
- Matthew Mayich is 21 years old and remains unlikely to recover from the incident.
- Scott Bales is leading the independent review requested by the university.
What It Means
Hakstol takes over the Arizona State program amidst severe off-ice scrutiny surrounding player safety and institutional oversight. His extensive collegiate and professional coaching background will be tested as the university navigates both the ongoing independent review into Mayich's collapse and the transition in leadership.
What's Next
The independent review led by Scott Bales is expected to be completed by early December.