Opening Faceoff
Thank you for being a College Hockey Insider subscriber. Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:
ASU took part in NCHC media day. Greg Powers and Ben Muthersbaugh represented ASU on the call. We have a full breakdown.
The NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee is proposing an increase to the roster cap.
Notes on the Bridgeport regional moving to Hartford.
The NCAA Division I Cabinet is moving forward with its proposal to ban mid-season roster additions in sports like men’s hockey.
Princeton hired a new assistant coach a few weeks ago (I missed that).
There continues to be talk of the college hockey season adding more games, and expanding preseason practices.
Ed. Note — Yesterday, in our preseason power rankings post, I mistakenly referenced an incorrect record for Sacred Heart’s 2025-26 season. The Pioneers went 23-14-3 last season.
ASU takes part in NCHC Media Day
Arizona State took part in NCHC Media Day on Wednesday. The event consisted of a Zoom call with players and coaches from around the conference.
For ASU, head coach Greg Powers and forward Ben Muthersbaugh were made available. Muthersbaugh was a late replacement for Kyle Smolen, who had originally been scheduled to participate, according to an NCHC release.
Powers began his availability with a statement about defenseman Matthew Mayich, who remains in a coma after his family’s attorney said he suffered exertional heat stroke during an outdoor workout Aug. 20 at Sun Angel Stadium.
Powers’ opening remarks:
“Good afternoon. As you undoubtedly know, it’s a very difficult time for everybody in our program. Matthew Mayich has been hospitalized since August 20th, and Matthew and his family are very much in our thoughts and our prayers and at the forefront of our minds as we try to prepare for a new season.
The players and coaches and staff who work with the team we are all affected by what has happened, and everybody is coping with this in different ways. There is a tremendous university support system in place to help our student athletes and our staff in whatever we may need. For us, being with each other, both at the rink and away from the rink, is what is helping us most.
Yesterday, the university shared its first report from Senior Vice President of Educational Outreach and Student Services to ASU President Michael Crow regarding the team activity on August 20th. There is also an ongoing ASU police investigation.
I know there will be more questions about Matthew and we won’t be able to answer those today. I’m here today along with junior alternate captain Ben Muthersbaugh to talk to you about our hockey season. And with that, I will open it up to questions regarding our season.”
Despite Powers’ opening statement, and similar statements from the NCHC asking that questions be kept pertaining to the hockey season, he was pressed multiple times about the Aug. 20 workout.
Robert Anglen of The Arizona Republic asked Powers whether he held himself responsible for what happened to Mayich that day.
Anglen: Coach Powers, do you hold yourself responsible for what happened to Matthew Mayich that day?
Powers: Respectfully, I decline to answer any questions regarding Aug. 20.
Anglen: So you won’t talk about who should be held responsible for what happened?
Powers: Not today.
Anglen: Particularly given the findings in the report about policy violations?
NCHC associate commissioner Michael Weisman then reiterated that the availability was intended to focus on the upcoming season rather than the university’s report. Questions about the Aug. 20 workout continued, however.
Later, Katie Strang of The Athletic asked Powers several additional questions.
