Arizona State is in discussions with Colorado Avalanche assistant Dave Hakstol about becoming the next head coach of its men’s hockey program. The Avalanche have given Hakstol permission to speak with the school, and a decision is expected soon. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said they granted him permission, noting that GM Joe Sakic thinks it’s important. Hakstol has a strong college background, having coached North Dakota for 11 years with a 289-143-43 record and seven Frozen Four appearances, and later led the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle before joining Colorado in 2025. The search follows the placement of former coach Greg Powers on administrative leave after defenseman Matthew Mayich suffered a severe heat stroke during an outdoor workout. The program had not submitted a training plan, and players were exercising in temperatures near 90 degrees. An anonymous letter from seven players called for the coaching staff’s removal, leading to Powers being put on paid leave and assistant Mike Corbett taking over.
