Home / Sports / ASU Courts Avalanche Assistant for Hockey Head Coach
ASU Courts Avalanche Assistant for Hockey Head Coach
13 Oct
Summary
- Arizona State is in discussions with Dave Hakstol for head coach.
- Hakstol previously coached North Dakota and NHL teams.
- Former coach Greg Powers was placed on leave after a player's heatstroke.
Arizona State University is actively negotiating with Dave Hakstol, an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche, to take over as the head coach of its men's hockey program. The Avalanche organization has officially permitted Hakstol to engage in these discussions with ASU, with a decision from the university anticipated this week.
The search for a new coach comes after the university placed former coach Greg Powers on administrative leave late last month. This action was initiated following a severe heatstroke incident involving defenseman Matthew Mayich during an outdoor workout on August 20. Mayich's condition has reportedly stabilized, but his family's attorney indicated the heat stroke significantly reduced oxygen flow to his brain.
An internal review by ASU revealed that the hockey program did not submit a training plan for approval before the workout, which took place in near 90-degree temperatures. Despite these findings, the decision to place Powers on leave was made after an anonymous letter from seven players raised concerns and disputed some of the school's initial findings regarding hydration during the session.
Dave Hakstol brings a significant background in collegiate coaching, having led the University of North Dakota for 11 seasons. During his tenure, he achieved a record of 289-143-43, guiding the team to 11 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and seven Frozen Four showings. He also has NHL coaching experience with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Seattle Kraken before joining the Avalanche staff.
