The early season awards are starting to pile up for Michigan Tech’s sophomore goaltending stud Blake Pietila. The Hockey Commissioner’s Association, comprised of the Commissioners of Atlantic Hockey, the Big 10, the ECAC, Hockey East and the WCHA, have named Pietila December’s Goaltender of the Month.
Pietila (Howell, MI), whom has come to be known “Money Machine” or “ATM” for short by the Misfits, posted a .955 save percentage for the month. He’s also tied for the lead in league wins and is second in WCHA goals against average with 1.52.
It’s tough to say more about Pietila’s play thus far this season that hasn’t already been said. He gives the Huskies a chance to win every night, and he can likely be expected to be the number one man going forward. This award shows that the rest of the NCAA needs to start taking note of Michigan Tech’s “Money Machine” between the pipes.
Michigan Tech takes on Minnesota State this Friday and Saturday in Mankato. Michigan Tech is taking a 5 game win streak into town with the hopes of extending it into 7.
Check back later this week for Mike Anleitner’s Old Dog in Texas column and Jonathan Zamaites’s Series Preview.
Matt Cavender graduated from Tech in 2018 and is a former President of Mitch's Misfits, serving two terms. Matt serves on the Tech Hockey Guide staff as Editor in Chief. He currently works as a Digital Marketing Specialist in Grand Rapids, MI
