Michigan Tech Huskies ready to defend GLi crown outdoors

By Stefan Kubus –

DETROIT – The Michigan Tech Huskies took to the ice outside at Comerica Park for practice to gear up for their Great Lakes Invitational matchup against Michigan State Friday afternoon.

Junior forward and Brighton native Blake Pietila – a fifth-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2011 – said that, despite the ice not being in the best of shape, it’s something that both teams have to deal with so it can’t be used an excuse for anything.

“Just keeping it simple,” Pietila said of the game plan. “The ice is terrible, so the team that keeps it simple and gets pucks to the net is going to have a real good chance.”

Sophomore netminder Pheonix Copley made history in last year’s GLI, posting back-to-back shutouts – both 4-0 wins over Michigan and No. 7 Western Michigan – for the first time in MTU history since 1956, en route to his team’s first GLI title since 1980. A native of North Pole, Alaska, Copley was named MVP of the tournament for his performance.

“I’m just going to go out and give my team the best chance possible to win,” Copley said. “It’s what I do every game and it’s no different here.”

Having grown up playing pond hockey regularly as a blossoming player, Pietila – who has nine points in 19 games with the Huskies this season – said that the ice conditions are something he’s certainly used to.

“My dad built a rink in the backyard and obviously a lot of ponds and friends’ houses, so it’s fun to grow up and still be able to play outdoors.”

And not only did he grow up playing hockey in Brighton, but naturally Pietila said he attended many Detroit Tigers games at Comerica Park, which makes it that much sweeter of an experience.

Copley said he also has fond memories of playing hockey outdoors with his brothers on a little pond in his Alaska backyard, but that it definitely can’t compare to playing at such a venue like Comerica Park.

“It’s exciting. It’s obviously different, but everyone grew up playing outside so it’s kind of getting back to our roots. I’m excited, the team’s excited to get on the ice and play.”