Arizona State University is closing in on an agreement to hire Colorado Avalanche assistant coach Dave Hakstol to take over its men’s hockey program, according to multiple reports. The Colorado Avalanche confirmed that the university reached out and was granted permission to speak with Hakstol about the position.
Arizona State Nearing Agreement to Hire Dave Hakstol as Hockey Coach
Other candidates have already been informed that they are out of the running, as Sportsnet reported that a decision could come as soon as Friday, when the Sun Devils play on the road against UMass Lowell. While earlier reports and announcements pointed toward an interim role, other reports noted it was initially unclear whether the appointment would be temporary or full-time. Arizona State University has not yet officially confirmed the decision.
Coaching Background and Experience
Hakstol, 58, brings extensive collegiate and professional experience to Tempe. He spent 11 seasons as the head coach at his alma mater, the University of North Dakota, from 2004 to 2015. During his tenure in Grand Forks, he led the program to seven Frozen Four appearances, compiled a 289-143-43 career college hockey record, and won a national title in the 2010-11 season.
Following his success in the collegiate ranks, Hakstol transitioned to the NHL. He served as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers from 2015 to 2019, leading the team to two playoff berths, and later coached the Seattle Kraken from their 2021 inaugural season through 2024, guiding the franchise to a playoff appearance and earning a Jack Adams Award finalist nod as NHL Coach of the Year. He has also held assistant coaching roles with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Avalanche, where he began his second year managing the power play.
Program Under Review After Player Collapse
The coaching search follows administrative action taken by the university regarding its previous staff. Arizona State placed head coach Greg Powers and associate head coach Alex Hicks on paid administrative leave on Sept. 30. Both coaches were present at an outdoor workout on Aug. 20 during which 21-year-old defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsed.
Mayich suffered heat stroke that reduced the flow of oxygen to his brain. According to statements from family attorney Robert Carey, the St. Louis Blues draft pick is on life support and is unlikely to recover.
In response to the incident, Arizona State asked former state Supreme Court chief justice Scott Bales to lead an independent review requested to be completed by early December. Seven players sent a letter through an attorney to university president Michael Crow asking for the independent review and for the involved coaching staff to be placed on leave.
During the ongoing transition, assistant Mike Corbett served as acting head coach, guiding the Sun Devils to a 2-2 record after splitting opening series against Lindenwood and Holy Cross. Reports indicate Corbett is expected to be placed on paid leave as Azcentral noted. The Sun Devils are scheduled to face UMass Lowell on the road for a weekend series, with questions remaining over whether Hakstol will be on the bench by Friday and how the university will formally structure his staff.
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