Amherstburg’s Michael DiPietro captures prestigious AHL award

Star Amherstburg native co-won the Doug Messier Award

There is a song that goes – Simply the best. Better than all the rest.

Those lyrics are synonymous with Amherstburg’s Michael DiPietro who is the best goaltender in the American Hockey League.

Recently he added another award to his collection – the Doug Messier Award. Presented by the Professional Hockey Players Association, it acknowledges the Most Outstanding Player in the AHL.

DiPietro, and co-winner Marcus Crawford were acknowledged for exemplifying professionalism and the character that earns the respect of their peers.

“That gave me a lot of pride. I am very humbled by it. It beats every hockey accolade I have received. I always wanted to be my best version for my teammates,” said DiPietro.

While the awards look nice on a hockey resume, he is continually finding the balance between his job as a professional hockey player and his personal life which includes getting married this summer.

With the continual pressure of making, it to the next level, which is getting very close, DiPietro admits that he has to stay grounded. He does that by being strong in his faith, and a few years ago started seeking out the advice of a sports psychologist.

“That has helped dramatically. It helps me to talk about what is on my mind.”

DiPietro is getting a lot closer to the ultimate gig, playing in the National Hockey League.

For the past three season he has been the number one guy between the pipes for the Boston Bruins’ top farm club, the Providence Bruins in Rhode Island and his numbers this past season topped all AHL goalies. He went 34-8-1 with a 1.91 GAA to go along with a .930 save percentage.

Recently the Boston Bruins traded goalie Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers and many are now penciling in DiPietro to be the backup to Jeremy Swayman.

“It’s a lot of noise,” said DiPietro of the speculation. “Everyone has an opinion, it’s not solidified. In terms of pressure, it is a lot of pressure.”

DiPietro admits he does not have a social media presence because he wants to stay away from the rumours but says he is looking forward to the chance to playing in the NHL.

“I want to make it to the NHL but the job needs to be earned.”

Spending a lot of time this summer in Amherstburg and staying in shape before he heads to the Bruins’ training camp in mid-September, DiPietro says when he talks to young goaltenders, he encourages them to stay strong mentally.

“There is a lot more to me than hockey, but I am excited about the opportunity,” he said of his chances to make the Bruins.

Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round after a junior career in Windsor and Ottawa, DiPietro, 27, becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

Amherstburg’s Michael DiPietro captures prestigious AHL award

By Fred Groves