ASU names new hockey coach weeks after Stoney Creek native’s collapse

Arizona State University (ASU), the school where Stoney Creek hockey player Matthew Mayich collapsed, has a new head coach.

Dave Hakstol is the team’s new head coach, bringing over three decades of experience. 

Hakstol led North Dakota to seven Frozen Four appearances before serving as NHL head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and the Seattle Kraken.

Arizona State University (ASU) hockey coach Greg Powers is on paid administrative leave as of Sept. 30 following the Hamilton-born player’s hospitalization.

Matthew Mayich, 21, collapsed during a workout on Aug. 20 and remains hospitalized with what family attorney Rob Carey said was an exertional heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain. Carey said Mayich is unlikely to recover.

READ MORE: ASU hockey coach on leave after Stoney Creek native’s collapse

Mayich collapsed during a “wind-down” run while carrying a 10-pound medicine ball.

However, Carey told CHCH News in a statement, “what the report doesn’t say is what the players will tell you: this was a punishment workout. Miss a count, your group runs again. The head coach set it up, stood there and watched it and didn’t stop it when the signs were there.”

In a letter to the school president, seven Arizona State hockey players demanded the coaching staff be placed on administrative leave until the collapse of their teammate is independently investigated.

The Arizona State Police Department is looking into the incident and a report will be sent to the county attorney’s office for independent review when complete.

With Files From The Canadian Press

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