Matthew Mayich’s Family Rips Coach Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’

On Thursday, Arizona State athletics announced it has “reached a mutual agreement to part ways” with head coach Greg Powers, who was put on administrative leave in September following a preseason workout that left 21-year-old sophomore player Matthew Mayich on life support.

 The Sun Devils have hired Dave Hakstol to replace him, a move they formally announced Thursday. 

The Sun Devils have been playing without key players and coaches as a result of the fallout from the preseason workout. The scandal has also drawn the attention of local and federal lawmakers, who supported calls from Mayich’s family and players for an independent inquiry into the military-style workout, which took place on Aug. 20. The program announced it had launched an independent investigation earlier this month.

Mayich’s family said in a statement that they do not consider the case closed. “It seems more like a negotiated agreement than accountability, and so we believe Justice Bales’s investigation must continue with its full scope, covering everyone involved in that morning’s workout and in approving it, and its findings must be made public.”

Powers was not fired for cause, nor did he resign, a university spokesperson told Front Office Sports. The spokesperson confirmed the school and Powers have reached a financial agreement, but declined to provide specifics.

Last November, ASU announced that it had signed Powers to a three-year extension that was set to run until 2030. Powers was paid $503,680 during the 2024-25 season, including salary, benefits, and bonuses, according to university filings obtained by Sportico. The contract was supported by a major gift from boosters Mike and Nancy Friend, and became the university’s first endowed coaching position.

“The university and Sun Devil Athletics are grateful for Coach Powers’ work to establish ASU as a Division I hockey program and for his service over the past nearly two decades,” the university wrote in a statement.

In a statement, Powers said he hopes for “strength and healing for Matthew and his family. “A new chapter of Sun Devil Hockey now awaits,” Powers said. “It is my hope that everyone will continue to support Sun Devil Hockey with the same passion and vigor that we all have to this point. I also wish Success, and pledge unwavering support to the new staff that has been chosen to push the rock forward to new heights.”

Hakstol coached North Dakota for 11 seasons before embarking on a decade-long tenure in the NHL which included stops as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken. His most recent position was as assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche.

“His success building championship-caliber programs, developing players for the highest level of the sport, and leading organizations in the NHL speaks to his knowledge of the game and his ability to develop talent,” ASU athletic director Graham Rossini said.