TEMPE — Arizona State formally introduced new hockey coach Dave Hakstol at Mullett Arena on Tuesday as player Matthew Mayich remains hospitalized after collapsing during an outdoor workout in August, ABC15 reported.
Hakstol left his job as an assistant with the Colorado Avalanche to replace Greg Powers, who was placed on leave amid the investigation into Mayich’s collapse.
Mayich collapsed Aug. 20 during an unsanctioned workout in extreme heat led by an Army Green Beret veteran and has been incapacitated by exertional heat stroke since, according to ABC15. His family’s attorney said his condition “has not changed and is unlikely to change.”
In late September, seven players sent ASU President Michael Crow an anonymous letter disputing the university’s account of the workout and calling for an independent investigation. The university has since launched an independent review.
Hakstol said he was impressed by the “quality and depth” of the roster and that his conversations in his first 12 days had mostly been with players. “They want to be coached,” he said.
Assistant Jimmy Mullin is the only holdover from Powers’ staff. Hakstol said he “truly believes” Mullin is the right person for the job.
Sources: ABC15. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: U.S. Air Force Academy — (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley) / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
