Arizona State Parts With Hockey Coach After Player's Heat-Stroke Collapse
Arizona State University said it parted ways by mutual agreement with hockey coach Greg Powers on October 15, 2026, and hired Dave Hakstol as its new head coach.[1]
Powers had been on paid administrative leave since late September after Mayich's parents and teammates demanded staff changes while an investigation proceeded.[1] ASU also appointed former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to oversee an independent investigation into the circumstances of Matthew Mayich's collapse.[1]
On August 20, 2026, Arizona State forward Matthew Mayich suffered heat stroke and collapsed during an outdoor workout.[1] He was placed on life support and is considered unlikely to recover.[1] Seven teammates alleged in an anonymous letter that he was given no water breaks, showed distress before collapsing, and that cold-water immersion tubs were not on the field.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On October 15, 2026, Arizona State University announced a mutual agreement to part ways with hockey coach Greg Powers.
- ASU hired Dave Hakstol, formerly an assistant coach with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, as its new head hockey coach.
- Player Matthew Mayich suffered heat stroke and collapsed during an outdoor workout on August 20, 2026, was placed on life support, and is considered unlikely to recover.
- Powers was placed on paid administrative leave in late September 2026 after Mayich’s parents and teammates demanded staff changes pending an investigation.
- Seven teammates alleged in an anonymous letter that Mayich was given no water breaks, showed distress before collapsing, and that cold-water immersion tubs were not on the field.
- ASU appointed former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to oversee an independent investigation into the circumstances of Mayich’s collapse.
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