azcentral
Arizona State University is preparing to announce an interim head coach for its hockey program in the coming days, just ahead of the team's home opener on Friday, October 9. The move comes as the program navigates a period of uncertainty following the placement of head coach Greg Powers on administrative leave.
According to athletic director Graham Rossini, who spoke with Arizona Sports 98.7 FM on October 1, several prominent figures in college hockey have expressed interest in the vacancy. Among the names that have surfaced as potential candidates is Brad Berry, a seasoned coach with a championship pedigree.
Berry is currently serving as a consultant for the Victoria Grizzlies in the British Columbia Hockey League, a junior circuit that Arizona State often recruits from. A native of Alberta, Berry began his coaching career as an assistant at the University of North Dakota from 2000 to 2006 before gaining experience in both the NHL and AHL.
He returned to UND in 2012 and spent 13 seasons there, initially as an assistant for three years before taking over as head coach for a decade. During his tenure, he guided the program to a national championship in 2016 and secured five regular-season NCHC titles. However, in 2025, North Dakota parted ways with Berry after the team failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Athletic director Bill Chaves described the decision as "a move in a new direction," and Berry still had one year remaining on his contract at the time of his dismissal.
Key Analysis
The interim position at Arizona State has not been explicitly defined as a stepping stone to a full-time role, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Powers' administrative leave. Additionally, it remains unclear whether the current coaching staff would be retained under the interim leader. As the Sun Devils approach their season opener, the appointment will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Originally reported by azcentral.