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 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 NHL action, the Seattle Kraken secured a 3-2 shootout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on October 13. Bobby McMann scored the decisive goal in the fifth round of the shootout, while Philipp Grubauer made 24 saves through overtime and stopped four of five attempts in the shootout. The Kraken led 2-0 until the Flyers tied the game with two goals in a 1:13 span in the third period. The win improved Seattle’s record to 5-2-0, marking their third consecutive road victory. ([nhl.com](https://www.nhl.com/news/seattle-kraken-philadelphia-flyers-game-recap-october-13-2026?utm_source=openai))
In other NHL games, the Boston Bruins dominated the Utah Mammoth with a 6-1 victory on October 9. David Pastrnak scored twice, and Jeremy Swayman made 36 saves on 37 shots. The Bruins’ offense was potent, with contributions from Casey Mittelstadt, Mason Lohrei, Morgan Geekie, and Matt Poitras. ([plus.bostonhockeynow.com](https://plus.bostonhockeynow.com/articles/bruins-cruise-to-blowout-win-over-mammoth?utm_source=openai))
Looking ahead, the NHL schedule features several exciting matchups. On October 17, the Washington Capitals will face the New Jersey Devils, the Winnipeg Jets will take on the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Tampa Bay Lightning will play against the Vancouver Canucks. Additionally, the Florida Panthers will host the Seattle Kraken. Fans can anticipate competitive games as teams continue to vie for early-season positioning. ([tntsports.co.uk](https://www.tntsports.co.uk/ice-hockey/nhl/calendar-results.shtml?utm_source=openai))
