Blake Pietila named USHL goalie of the week; NTDP’s Miller top blueliner

By @MichaelCaples –

Blake Pietila already had some bragging rights over his twin brother; now he has even more ammo to rub it in with.

The Howell native and Michigan Tech commit has been named the USHL’s goaltender of the week after an outstanding stretch for his Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

One of Pietila’s two wins over the course of last week came against brother Logan and the Dubuque Fighting Saints, as Blake guided his RoughRiders to a 7-1 win on Dec. 9.

Four days earlier, Pietila pitched his first career USHL shutout, stopping 25 shots in Green Bay against the Gamblers.

He finished the week with a 2-1-0-0 record, a 1.35 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage.

Miller top blueliner

NTDP Under-18 Team defenseman K’Andre Miller was named the USHL’s top defenseman, as well, after he recorded one goal and one assist in Team USA’s 4-2 win over Central Illinois on Saturday.

The University of Wisconsin commit leads all NTDP defensemen with nine points through seven USHL contests this season.