The foundation of college hockey in the desert has been cemented for the long haul. Arizona State University made an emphatic statement about its commitment to ice hockey excellence by locking up head coach Greg Powers with a five-year contract extension that runs through the 2030 season. This landmark deal, which creates the university’s first-ever endowed head coaching position, signals that the Sun Devils aren’t just participating in Division I hockey—they’re building a lasting legacy.
The extension, announced this week by Sun Devil Athletics, comes on the heels of a transformative period for the program. Powers, who has dedicated his entire adult life to building ASU hockey, will now see his vision secured well into the next decade. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the Sun Devils have found their footing in the ultra-competitive National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) and established themselves as legitimate contenders on the national stage.
The Greg Powers five-year contract extension Arizona State hockey transformation
From club program to NCHC powerhouse
When Greg Powers took over as head coach of Arizona State’s ACHA club team in 2010, few could have predicted the trajectory that would follow. The program’s elevation to NCAA Division I status in 2015-16 represented a massive leap, but Powers treated it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. In just the program’s fourth season at the DI level, he achieved what many thought impossible: guiding the Sun Devils to the 2019 NCAA Tournament as the first independent team to make the field since Alaska-Anchorage in 1992.
That breakthrough campaign saw ASU post a 21-12-1 record, a remarkable 13-win improvement from the previous season. The team earned its first-ever national ranking at No. 18 and finished No. 10 in the Pairwise rankings. Powers was rightfully named the Frank Kush Sun Devil Coach of the Year, and his players began attracting attention from NHL scouts. The 2019-20 season promised an encore performance before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the postseason—devastating timing for a team that had a 96% chance of earning another tournament berth.
Building Mullett Arena and changing the landscape
Perhaps Powers’ most tangible legacy is the $140 million Mullett Arena that opened its doors in 2022. The 5,000-seat facility on ASU’s Tempe campus gave the program a permanent home after years of playing at Oceanside Ice Arena, a community rink that seated just 800 fans. The move transformed the gameday experience and recruiting potential overnight.
Season tickets sold out months before the first puck dropped, and the Sun Devils have averaged nearly 4,800 fans per game. Powers orchestrated memorable moments in the new building, including a sweep of Colorado College and victories over top-ranked opponents. The arena’s opening weekend saw 5,026 fans pack the house for a showdown with Colgate, establishing Mullett Arena as one of college hockey’s most exciting venues.
Impact of the Greg Powers five-year contract extension Arizona State hockey program
Historic endowment sets new precedent
What makes this extension particularly significant is its structure. Mike and Nancy Friend’s generous donation created “The Greg Powers Endowed Men’s Hockey Coach” position, marking the first endowed head coaching role in Sun Devil Athletics history. This provides financial stability and demonstrates the level of support the program has cultivated in the Valley.
“There is no Sun Devil Hockey program without him,” said Mike Friend in the official announcement. “We know the best is on the way.” The Friends’ investment reflects confidence not just in Powers’ past achievements, but in the program’s trajectory. Athletic director Graham Rossini echoed this sentiment, calling the endowment “a meaningful milestone for the ASU Changing Futures Campaign and a clear sign of how our supporters continue to step forward in significant ways.”
The financial backing allows Powers to recruit with confidence, knowing the university is committed long-term. It also gives him resources to compete with traditional hockey powers for top talent, essential for success in the NCHC—a conference that has produced over 100 NHL players.
On-ice success validates the investment
The numbers tell a compelling story of Powers’ impact:
- 300+ career wins across ACHA and NCAA Division I
- First NCAA Tournament appearance in program history (2018-19)
- Program-record 24 wins in the 2023-24 season
- NCHC debut success: Second-place regular season finish and Frozen Faceoff appearance
- Historic road sweep of No. 1 Denver in November 2024, ending a 21-game winning streak
- Nation-leading power play at 29.6% success rate last season
Powers has also developed NHL talent, with alumni including Josh Doan (Utah Hockey Club/Tucson Roadrunners) and Joey Daccord (Seattle Kraken). The program’s reputation as a development pipeline continues growing, with recent first-round pick Cullen Potter (Calgary Flames) highlighting the caliber of recruits choosing Tempe.
What the Greg Powers five-year contract extension Arizona State hockey means for the future
Stability in a shifting college landscape
College athletics is experiencing unprecedented change, with conference realignment and NIL considerations reshaping programs. By securing Powers through 2030, Arizona State provides stability that resonants throughout the organization. Players can commit to ASU knowing the architect of the program will be there for their entire careers.
“This is the only job I’ve ever wanted and the only job I ever want to have,” Powers stated. “To be rewarded by my institution and Graham Rossini and President Crow, it means a lot to me after putting in a ton of sweat equity over the last 18 years.”
That continuity is invaluable for a program still establishing its identity in the NCHC. While rivals like Denver, North Dakota, and Minnesota have century-old traditions, ASU is writing its history in real-time. Powers ensures that story develops with consistency and purpose.
Competitive advantages in recruiting and development
The combination of Mullett Arena, the NCHC affiliation, and Powers’ extended tenure creates a powerful recruiting pitch. Arizona State can now offer prospects:
- A state-of-the-art facility in a premier college hockey conference
- Proven player development with multiple NHL alumni
- A stable coaching situation through 2030
- The unique appeal of playing hockey in a non-traditional market
This foundation helped ASU land blue-chip recruits like Cullen Potter and compete for top transfer portal talent. The program’s power play excellence and offensive firepower—ranking top-10 nationally in multiple categories—show Powers’ system produces results.
The broader significance for Sun Devil Athletics
The creation of an endowed coaching position extends beyond hockey. It establishes a model for other ASU programs and demonstrates how booster support can directly impact competitiveness. As the university continues its Changing Futures Campaign, the Friend family’s leadership gift may inspire similar investments across athletic department.
For hockey specifically, it signals that ASU views itself as a permanent fixture in the college hockey landscape, not an experimental program. The five-year commitment gives Powers runway to build recruiting classes, develop infrastructure, and establish the traditions that define elite programs.
This extension ensures that when the Sun Devils face No. 3 Denver this weekend, they’re not just hosting a top opponent—they’re showcasing a program built for sustained success. The Greg Powers five-year contract extension Arizona State hockey fans have been hoping for has arrived, and it promises to keep the desert hockey revolution thriving well into the next decade.
The desert has proven fertile ground for college hockey innovation, and with Powers secured through 2030, Arizona State is positioned to compete for championships while continuing to “Be The Tradition” he promised when this journey began. For Sun Devil faithful, the message is clear: the best is still on the way.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.