The Toledo Walleye have signed defenseman Joe Pietila from the Michigan Tech Huskies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Howell, Michigan native comes to Toledo after a successful four-year college career.
Walleye Sign Pietila For a Deep Kelly Cup Playoff Run
Pietila is a 5’11, 190-pound defenseman who contributed to the Huskies’ success from 2020-21 until the end of the 2023-24 season. He played in 75 games and produced three goals and 27 assists for 30 points while having 52 penalty minutes and a +18 rating.
Before Michigan Tech, Pietila played 128 games in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and was captain of the Austin Bruins during the 2019-20 season. He would total 29 points on eight goals and 21 assists and ranked 17th among defensemen in points.
During his career with the Huskies, he would play seven playoff games, scoring one goal and four assists for five points. In the +/- category, he has been a plus in five of his seven seasons played.
Pietila is a smooth skater with pristine passing and is capable of stepping into the play in the offensive zone and making a big play. He plays a physical game without racking up penalty minutes and takes care of his end first. He has a good transition game that starts with a solid outlet pass and is coming into Toledo’s already sound defensive unit. He is not the biggest player on the ice, but he plays a big game when the game is on the line. He can play in any situation and is a welcomed addition to a strong roster capable of big things in the playoffs.
In other Walleye transactions, they placed defenseman Cole Cameron and forward Conlan Keenan on reserve and placed defenseman Adrien Beraldo on injured reserve, effective March 30, 2024.
