Odessa Jackalopes defenseman Braden Pietila has committed to Michigan Tech, it was announced Sunday.
Pietila, a product of Howell, Mich., spent the entire 2024-25 season with the Jackalopes, scoring five goals and adding 29 assists for 34 points in 59 regular season games.
Having joined Odessa at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, Pietila has played in 118 career NAHL regular season games, putting up seven goals and 51 points. Prior to making the jump to the junior level, Pietila played four seasons of high school hockey at Hartland High.
With Pietila making the jump to join the Huskies this fall, he could be an under the radar add for the team. A smooth skating, smart defender who knows what to do with the puck even under pressure, Pietila has the makings of someone who can be a consistent contributor at the NCAA level.