ASU, longtime hockey coach Greg Powers reach a deal for his departure

Arizona State University hockey coach Greg Powers will remain on the payroll following his exit from the team, according to a university spokesperson. Powers, who had been the head coach since 2010, was not fired but agreed to leave under a mutual arrangement. The university declined to disclose the financial details of his separation package, stating that it was contained within his buyout provision.

Powers' tenure at ASU was marked by the controversial outdoor workout that resulted in defenseman Matthew Mayich collapsing near-fatal injuries. Mayich was placed on life support following the incident, and his family's attorney, Robert Carey, expressed little hope for his recovery. The university announced Powers' departure almost two months after the event, which occurred around two weeks after several players accused the university of downplaying the severity of the situation.

In a statement, ASU praised Powers for his role in establishing the program as a Division 1 hockey team and acknowledged his service over the past two decades. The university has appointed Dave Hakstol, a former assistant with the Colorado Avalanche, as the new head coach, effective immediately. Powers had led the team through its transition to NCAA competition in 2015 and earned an annual salary of $450,000, as reported by ASU's student newspaper.

The players involved in the workout have accused the coaching staff and administrators of fabricating the narrative surrounding the incident. They alleged that water was offered as a reward, breaks were denied to weaker teammates, and Mayich received inadequate medical attention during the event. The players' claims have been echoed by Mayich's family, who have called for the entire coaching staff to be placed on leave and for a full investigation by an outside law enforcement agency.

The university has since hired Scott Bales, a former state Supreme Court chief justice, to conduct an independent review of the incident. The investigation was initiated following calls from state and federal lawmakers for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Mayich's collapse. Powers and the Mayich family issued statements expressing their hope for Mayich's healing and support for the new coaching staff, emphasizing that the new chapter for Sun Devil Hockey would continue with the same passion and dedication.