# Arizona State Hires Dave Hakstol After Leadership Failures

> Arizona State hires Dave Hakstol as head coach after leadership failures in hockey program.
- Title: Arizona State Hires Dave Hakstol After Leadership Failures
- Summary: Arizona State hires Dave Hakstol as head coach after leadership failures in hockey program. Arizona State hired Dave Hakstol to replace Greg Powers following…
- Keywords: arizona state, dave hakstol, matthew mayich, hockey, ncaa, sun devils, greg powers, coaching, heat stroke, military workout, sports, Arizona
- Source: Boston College Eagles On SI — https://si.com/college/bostoncollege/hockey-hub/arizona-state-made-a-great-hire-but-doesnt-deserve-dave-hakstol-puck-drop-commentary
- Published: 2026-10-17T06:37:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: arizona state, dave hakstol, matthew mayich, hockey, ncaa, sun devils, greg powers, coaching, heat stroke, military workout, sports
## Coach's Regret
Years ago, I regretted saying Arizona State should be a destination place in sports.
## Leadership Question
The person who understands desert sports dynamics said leadership was the answer.
## Matthew Mayich's Injury
Matthew Mayich, a 21-year-old defenseman, collapsed from heat stroke on August 20.
## School's Response
Arizona State ignored protocols and conducted a feeble internal review for the incident.
## Player Pressure
Seven players sent a 26-page anonymous letter to school officials demanding action.
## New Review
Former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales leads a review of policies and procedures.
## Acclimation Process
The acclimation process to Phoenix's climate is a real challenge for athletes from colder regions.
## Hakstol's Background
Dave Hakstol had an incredible record at North Dakota, going 289, 143, 43 from 2004-05 through 2.014-15.
## First Game
Arizona State won 5-4 against Lowell in their first game under Hakstol.
## Leadership Failure
Arizona State's leadership failed to address the incident properly, causing further harm.
## Hiring Hakstol
Arizona State hired Dave Hakstol as the second head coach in program history.
## Hakstol's NHL Career
Hakstol was the first head coach to go directly from NCAA to NHL since Bob Johnson in 1982.
## First Game Details
Arizona State jumped out to a three-goal lead in a 5-4 victory with five different players scoring.
## Hakstol's Statement
Hakstol said walking into the room with the team solidified his opportunity to coach college hockey.
## Leadership Lesson
Arizona State's leadership failed to act responsibly, causing harm to players and the program.
## Key takeaway

Arizona State hired Dave Hakstol to replace Greg Powers following leadership failures after sophomore Matthew Mayich suffered heat stroke during a workout.