Chase Pietila barely recognizes the player he was a year or two ago, before he went undrafted at the NHL Draft. However, at the end of June, the 20-year-old defenseman was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth round (No. 111 overall).
Pietila credits his growth to focusing on fundamentals rather than flashy skills. “I feel like I developed my play style significantly,” he noted. “I used to focus on being a skillful offensive player, but I realized that wasn’t my game. As the game evolved and got faster, I shifted towards a more defensive approach, and that adjustment has been beneficial.”
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 186 pounds, Pietila, a right-handed shot, recently participated in the Penguins’ development camp, aiming to leave a strong impression. “I’m a two-way defenseman known for hard-nosed defense, tenacity, and a bit of grit,” he described. “Maybe I was a late bloomer, but I feel I’ve earned my place here.”
Previously with the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League, Pietila is now heading into his sophomore year at Michigan Tech. As a freshman, he played all 40 games, scoring three goals and adding 19 assists. “The opportunities at Michigan Tech allowed me to step into a significant role, get ample ice time, and refine my game,” he said.
The development camp experience was made even more special by the presence of his older brother, Logan. Logan, a 24-year-old forward, signed with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in April, playing three games and two Calder Cup playoff contests. The Pietila brothers have shared the ice before, playing together at Michigan Tech where Logan was the captain, scoring 13 goals and 16 assists in his senior year.
“It’s fantastic,” Logan said of playing with his brother. “Playing together on a big stage like this or in college was surreal. I’m thrilled for him to join the Penguins, and it was great to be here together and share the experience.”
As Chase continues to develop at Michigan Tech, Logan will focus on adjusting to professional hockey with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton under new coach Kirk MacDonald. Although the exact roster for the AHL affiliate is still being finalized, Logan, signed through the 2024-25 season, is looking to solidify his place and aim for a potential call-up to Pittsburgh. “I need to concentrate on being a reliable, two-way forward,” Logan said. “Keeping my game simple, while contributing on both ends of the ice, is key to my progress.”
