MADISON, WI -- Courtesy: MTU
Michigan Tech hockey player Blake Pietila (Brighton, Mich.) has been named the Red Baron Western Collegiate Hockey Association Rookie of the Week for Oct. 11.
Pietila turned in a stunning debut with two goals and an assist in Michigan Tech’s 4-3 comeback win over visiting American International last Friday (Oct. 7). The rookie left wing put home two power-play goals to pull the Huskies within 3-2 early in the third period, then had the primary assist on Steven Seigo’s game-tying goal at the 17:47 mark.
In addition to his three points in the series, Pietila fired nine shots on goal as the Huskies opened a new era under first-year coach Mel Pearson with back-to-back victories (Tech also won 3-1 over AIU last Saturday).
The two-game sweep was Tech’s first since Dec. 19-20, 2008, in a home-and-home series vs Northern Michigan and was their first two-game home sweep since Oct. 19-20, 2007 vs. Minnesota State.
Michigan Tech will open WCHA play this weekend (Oct. 14-15) with two-game series vs. Wisconsin at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.