In a significant development this week, Arizona State University appointed veteran NHL coach Dave Hakstol to lead its hockey program. This decision follows the resignation of former head coach Greg Powers, who stepped down amid an ongoing investigation into an outdoor workout incident that left 21-year-old player Matthew Mayich on life support due to external heat stroke. Hakstol, 58, brings extensive experience, having served as head coach for both the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken, and as a long-term coach at the University of North Dakota where he led the team to seven Frozen Four appearances. Most recently, he was an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche. Arizona State has enlisted former State Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales to conduct an independent review of the August 20 incident, expected by early December. The Mayich family, through attorney Rob Carey, emphasized the importance of transparency and the protection of whistleblowers. Powers’s resignation should not hinder the investigation or participant cooperation. Brett McLean has been hired as an assistant coach to replace Hakstol on the Avalanche’s staff. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/503c57f2366178b48ededa376476745c?utm_source=openai))
In the NHL, the Florida Panthers delivered an impressive performance, with forwards Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett each recording hat tricks in an 8-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken. Matthew Tkachuk contributed three assists to the win. This marks the first time in NHL history that a team has achieved natural hat tricks in three consecutive games, following Brady Tkachuk’s natural hat tricks in the Panthers’ previous two games. ([spectorshockey.net](https://www.spectorshockey.net/2026/10/nhl-morning-coffee-headlines-october-18-2026/?utm_source=openai))
In the Central Division, the Utah Mammoth suffered a 6-2 defeat to the Edmonton Oilers. Despite the loss, the Mammoth remain atop the division with 12 points in 9 games (6-3-0), one point clear of both Colorado and Minnesota. The Oilers’ captain, Connor McDavid, led the charge with two goals and three assists. ([pickaleague.com](https://pickaleague.com/en/hockey/nhl/news/mammoth-hellebuyck-central-division-2026-10-18?utm_source=openai))
In other notable games, the Vegas Golden Knights dominated the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 6-2 victory, extending their strong start to the season. Mark Stone contributed a goal and two assists to the win. ([infonews.ca](https://infonews.ca/news/7956908/golden-knights-rout-penguins-6-2-as-mark-stone-nets-a-goal-and-2-assists/?utm_source=openai))
Looking ahead, the NHL is set to host the 2026 Scotiabank NHL PreGame, the official fan festival of the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic. Scheduled for Sunday, October 25, from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT at the University of Manitoba’s U Lot in Winnipeg, the event will feature interactive activities, special appearances, giveaways, and photo opportunities, including a chance to see and take photos with the Stanley Cup. ([nhl.com](https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/nhl-heritage-classic/outdoor-fan-festival-to-set-stage-for-heritage-classic?utm_source=openai))
As the season progresses, teams are gearing up for more intense matchups, with players like Verhaeghe and Bennett setting high standards for performance. Fans can look forward to more thrilling games and standout performances in the coming weeks.
