Michigan Tech received a commitment from ’99-born forward Jed Pietila for next season.
Pietila was ranked No. 114 in our 1999 National Rankings in the top-300. He committed to the Huskies where he’ll join his brothers Logan and Blake, who were freshmen there this season.
Pietila appeared in 44 games for the Austin Bruins (NAHL) this season, where he finished with eight goals and 21 assists.
NZ Scouts on Pietila: “Jed is mature and was a breakout machine for Austin here. He appeared heavier and stronger than the 6’ 180lbs he is listed. He was sturdy on his skates and on his stick. He protected possession and won wall battles. When he needed to make a tough play, he showcased some crafty hands and got pucks through. His outlets were crisp and accurate. He read plays at both ends well and we liked that he created clean zone entries with passes or by skating the puck in the offensive end.”
’99 D Blake Holmes to Utica for 2020
Holmes is a huge add for Utica; our scouts rated him as having Division I potential. In our 1999’s National Rankings report that was posted last week, Holmes was slotted at No. 230 overall in the top-300; more than 750 players were ranked.
The Minnesota native had 29 points in 52 games for the Minnesota Wilderness in the NAHL this season.
NZ Scouts on Holmes: “His passes are firm and accurate. He used the wall well and protected the puck with his body. Made a long stretch pass to send a teammate in for a great chance. Good balance between moving the puck and physicality.”
’99 D Connor Karo to the Milwaukee School of Engineering for 2020
Karo is a Colorado native who has spent the last three seasons in the SJHL but he also had short stops in the NCDC and the BCHL. This season with Weyburn and Yorkton, Karo has combined for four goals and 14 assists in 50 games.
NZ Scouts on Karo: “Connor was a good skater, with good quickness and acceleration. He was observed retrieving pucks in his own zone very well, thus quickly giving himself enough time and space to make a decent play in getting the puck heading back down the ice towards the opposing net. Defensively he was an adequate defender.”
’99 D Landon Wilson to Gustavus Adolphus for 2020
Wilson is a Minnesota native who played at Little Falls High before embarking on his junior career.
In 39 games this season with the Granite City Lumberjacks in the NA3HL, the 5-foot-11 blueliner had five goals and 14 assists.
’00 Anthony Cinato to New England College for 2020
The Michigan native had a strong season for the Metro Jets in the USPHL, where he scored 38 goals and finished with 55 assists in 44 games.
Cinato has been with the Jets since his 16U season, with some sprinkled experience in the NCDC and NA3HL.
