| Chase Pietila | Youngstown | USHL | R | D | 6’2″ | 184 | Michigan Tech | 2022 | Howell, MI | 2004 | 2021-2022: C |
USHL: NTDP U17/18 vs Youngstown, January 29 & 30, 2021: Pietila is a big, strong, right shot defenseman who is simply a solid defenseman. He won’t contribute much offensively but is highly reliable defensively. He maintains good position throughout all three zones and doesn’t take unnecessary risks. He remains calm defending the rush and uses his stature and strength to be difficult to beat. He will play physical and effectively pins puck carriers to the boards stopping them in their tracks. He registered an assist on a late 2nd period goal in game two with a basic breakout pass. Grade: B
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, August 2021: Training wise this was a huge summer for Chase. He got more than a taste of the USHL last year and NHL scouts will be looking for improved foot speed and agility. I’ve always felt he is a better skater than he got credit for, but there’s no doubt he will be watched closely to see if he’s been able to improve his posture over the offseason.
USA Hockey Selects 17’s, July 14, 2021: Pietila is a strong, physical, tough to play against style defender out of Lincoln Stars who got 48 games in the USHL at 16/17 years old. He’s heavy in the tough ice, he leans on opponents and can separate them from the puck in the corners and around the net front. He snaps passes off like a pro, he has a rocket snap shot and slap shot from the point where he’s a legit scoring threat on the power play and he’s tough along the blue line keeping pucks in and taking the body. Pietila is better with the puck than he gets credit for; he can stretch the ice with his breakout passes, he can handle it around opponents in the neutral zone and can accept bad passes and settle the puck instantly. He scored a nice goal off a bad turnover and while he’s more defensive minded then offensive he showed here he can contribute on both special teams units. Tough prospect who plays a physical, mean and balanced game; he’s mature, he doesn’t chase pucks out of position, he lets the play come to him and uses his long reach and strength to keep opponents from getting to the slot. He’s not quite as mobile as he was in the past as he’s put on muscle for the USHL and it’s taken away from his quickness, lateral mobility and agility, but he’s harder to play against and he’s becoming a solid shutdown defenseman. Grade: B
USHL: Lincoln Stars vs Omaha Lancers, March 5, 2021: Pietila finished -1, but he earned 16:34 in total ice time including 6:12 while the Stars were shorthanded. He finished with 2 giveaways compared to 6 takeaways and in our opinion this was a growth game for Pietila. He played with maturity and patience in the defensive zone that we had not seen since his days with Honeybaked. While the Lancers were cycling he showed constant awareness by containing his man and maintaining net side positioning. He was decisive when going after loose pucks and he showed more explosiveness when making body contact. His minus came on a bad change broken play 4 on 2 where as the strong side defender he slowed the play down enough for a backchecker to create confusion. Offensively Pietila moved the puck quickly and when he did not have a play he made the smart decision to fight another day.
USHL: Lincoln Stars vs Omaha Lancers, February 20, 2021: Pietila earned 8:39 of total ice time in the 4-2 loss including 1:47 while penalty killing. He had 1 shot and 3 giveaways versus 2 takeaways. He looked noticeably quicker while moving laterally along either blueline. We noted that he was much more vocal while defending line rushes and clearly pointed out where he wanted his backchecking forwards to apply back pressure. This was another game where we could see Pietila’s game developing.
USHL: Lincoln Stars vs Fargo Force, February 11, 2020: This was a rough outing for the 2022 eligible. In 3:23 of total ice time Pietila was -3 with 2 giveaways compared to 3 takeaways. He was the victim of a few unfortunate bounces, but sometimes it’s nice to have the coaching staff take the pressure off and give you a front row seat.
USHL: Lincoln Stars vs Tri-City Storm, January 6, 2021: The 2022 NHL Draft eligible earned 14:43 of total ice time in the Stars 3-2 win including 1:43 of short handed ice time. Statistically he finished +1 with a assist on the Storm’s first goal. The assist was Pietila’s first USHL point. The big righty played a physical style and was engaged from the beginning, but was more in control with his decision making. We’ve grown accustomed to seeing him pinch with abandon, but today he showed improved awareness when locating his F3 in the offensive zone before pinching down the wall. This looks like a huge growth game for Pietila because only a few short weeks ago he was playing under 5 minutes per game.
USHL: Lincoln Stars vs Des Moines Buccaneers, November 21, 2020: In a 4-3 loss, Pietila earned 3:34 of total ice time. In short ice time it was still very obvious that he loves to pinch and activate in the offensive zone.
USHL Preseason: Lincoln Stars vs Tri-City Storm, October 31, 2020: Pietila earned 11:13 in total ice time and was not a factor for either special teams. He finished -2 with 1 shot on goal, 2 hits and 1 giveaway versus 4 takeaways. Offensively Pietile looked much more comfortable with the pace of play, especially during neutral zone transition where he did not telegraph his crisp passes and showed the ability to find the weakside forward. Again he was active in the offensive zone, showing a willingness to pinch on almost every loose or 50-50 puck, whether he had forward support or not. In a blowout loss we like the fact that he was looking to be involved physically as he definitely took a few runs at Storm players.
USHL Preseason: Lincoln Stars vs Tri-City Storm, October 23, 2020: The 2022 NHL Draft eligible right shot shot defender earned 12:39 in total ice time including 2:40 while short handed. He had 3 shots on net, 2 scoring chances and the most impressive stat line being 0 giveaways versus 6 takeaways. Defensively the long righty defended with his stick in lanes and forced plays early in the neutral zone. He was very active in the offensive zone and looked to pinch whenever there was a 50-50 puck. Pietila played an easy simple game that kept him safe. If he has the mental strength to keep this attitude for a full season we feel Pietila is a player to watch closely as he heads into his draft year.
2004: MAHA Festival, April 19, 2020: Chase has good size with a strong skating style and takes advantage of his skating to join the rush. He likes to step up and close the gap to take the body of the opposition. He makes smart outlet passes out of his zone and he becomes an option in the offensive zone.
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, April 2020: Chase has a chance to be special. He’s obviously big and he’s going to get stronger, but I think his skating is better than people realize. He keeps his hips low on take offs and he doesn’t cross his feet when he’s pivoting. He’s strong in the corners battling and his ass is his center of gravity… not his head. That’s huge for a big man. His Honeybaked team was an absolute wagon offensively, but he had to defend because of their run and gun style. He’s got a long stick that he disguises and I think he reads line rushes very well for kid coming out of midgets. He’s patient as a weakside Dman, but knows when to activate for a low D to D. I think it shows a lot of maturity and game awareness for a kid his age to consistently work to be an outlet for his partner. He’s got a pretty good first touch and he makes quick decisions in transition, so his adjustment to juniors should be smooth because I think he already knows he’s not the end to end type. I do think he can be an asset on special teams too. He’s had great coaching and obviously that is going to continue, so I feel he’s got a chance to contribute on the penalty kill immediately. And he’s got a bullet that hits the net so he might be a second PP option right off the bat. I’m pretty fired up to see his development over the next 12 months and beyond.
U15 HPHL Playoffs, February 14th 2020: Chase is a big kid with a strong skating stride as he will skate the puck up ice and create scoring opportunities. He plays the point on the power play as he makes accurate passes for his teammates or he will use his hard shot on goal. He has the patience with the puck as he uses his size and long reach to buy him time to make the play. He is solid defensively as he will close the gap and take the body on the opponent.
Toronto Marlies Classic, February 2nd 2020: Chase is a right shot defender with great size and reach and ability to win pucks in all zones of the ice. With his size and speed combo he can dominate defensively at times and makes life difficult for opposition forwards. Pietila is a top 2 defender on a high skilled team and shows good poise to find open players moving with pace. Pietila was very effective in Honeybaked’s run to another championship this weekend and logged important minutes in key offensive and defensive situations. A potential two- way threat as he continues to develop his pace and speed. He has the size, skill and hockey IQ to excel at the next level. Grade: B+
Whitby Silver Stick (2004s), December 2019: A big D, Pietila did a great job using shoulder checks getting to loose pucks and protecting it with his body. He has above average mobility and although he won’t beat you on the rush with his speed, he will gain the zone by protecting the puck and using his strength. Pietila managed the puck well in his own zone making simple passes or was adept at making a stretch pass through the neutral zone. Grade: B+
Battle of the Border, November 2019: Pietila is talented but also he is willing to block shots on the PK and stands up at his own blue line. He gets his shot off from the point quickly and gets it to the net or deep by avoiding defenders getting in the shooting lane. He is tall, athletic and has a ton of upside. GRADE: B
USHL Showcase U15, October 2019: Chase is a long, athletic defender that is still raw but plays with pace and skill. He has a big body and uses it well to close-off forwards. He is tough to play against in his own end and rarely loses puck battles. He has a strong, active stick and cuts down angles. He is a strong passer and easily moves the puck from one side of the rink to the other. He will need to develop more touch with his passes. At times he had too much pace on the puck. Heavy shot from the point and does a good job getting the puck on net. Interesting prospect with upside. Grade: B
USA Hockey Select 15 Development Camp, August 2019: While there were several standouts here who showed NTDP upside; Pietila likely improved his case more than anyone else in the camp. He’s a long, tall, athletic, versatile prospect who plays a mature, well-rounded game. He carries end to end with ease with his long reach and deceptively smooth hands. He can carry out of jams and can get off forecheckers on the breakout. Pietila is also tough and plays a shut down defensive game, uses his strength and reach to keep opponents away from the net and can smother zone entries. He gets his stick on pucks and body in front of shots to break up plays. He follows up rushes, has a powerful release on his wrist and snap shot and showed he can make slick moves and get pucks through to the net. He has a nice toe drag pull and shoot move and good zip on his passes. He had a great assist from the point across the top circles and a rocket catch and shoot wrister goal following a rush up the ice to compile 2 points in 4 games. He has a heavy shot, can blast a one-timer, he’s physical and mean in the tough ice and is a heads up puck mover who can stretch the ice. A rare multi-dimensional prospect with size, athleticism and a versatile skill set. He will play for Honeybaked this upcoming season and will be high on NTDP, CHL and NCAA radar. Chase will need to improve his stride and overall skating ability to reach his full potential. Grade: A-
USA Hockey Nationals U14, April 2019: One of the best uncommitted players at Nationals. Chase played a pro style. He is big, strong, direct and wore opponents down. He protected the crease and punished opponents along the wall. He made crisp, quick outlets and used all his options on the breakout. He can snap passes all over the ice. He carried as well and led several rushes up ice. Facilitated clean zone entries. Went skate to blade on bad passes with ease. He can and did play power play but his strength is behind the blue line. He is an old school type. Understands and enjoys that his job is to keep pucks and players from his goalie. Big, strong, tough defender who was difficult to play against. High upside, especially up ice. He was a man among boys here and it will be interesting to watch his develop at higher levels.
Silver Stick Finals 2004s, February 2019: Chase has lots of tools. He was stronger, faster and more poised than just about every player here. He hit to defend and was able to collect pucks and outlet them quickly. He can pass or carry from his end. Long handle and is strong on the puck. Chase created a second wave on the rush as he has the speed to jump up and also recover. Up the ice, he has a heavy shot. We liked that he was able to move laterally and change the angle of his stick blade and release from the offensive blue line. He can sneak in and catch and shoot in one motion. His skating is fluid and he played in all situations. Very confident and made few mistakes. Crisp first passes on the power play and active stick on the penalty kill. He isn’t flashy but just rally good. Should have plenty of options as every team needs a player like him to win. Grade: A
CCM World Invite, November 2018: Chase is a man among boys on the ice. His size, strength, and speed make him very difficult to play against for many players in this age group. His physical traits and overall play are very mature and his game brings a lot of polish. Explosive skater with mobile feet and just a lot of power in his legs. Excellent offensive skills and instincts and a howitzer of a shot. He excelled on the power play at the point and his slapshot intimidating opposing players. Equally sound defensively and very nasty to play against. We really look forward to seeing him more this season and how his game progresses over time as players at older and higher levels can match his physicality. Grade: A+
U14 USHL Fall Classic, October 2018: Pietila is a savvy, puck moving defender who showed poise, skill and patience with the puck. He made a great play faking a pass and then changing direction and moving it up to the opposite side. He has agility, balance and accelerates well in every direction. He sees the ice and he anticipates well defensively using both his feet and his stick to break up plays.
STX 68 Combine, August 2018: Plays a smart, simple game. Mistake-free, good decisions with the puck and doesn’t take chances. Good overall speed but footwork could use improvement. Sound defensively and very dependable. Above average passer and sees the ice well.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Stats are from InStat.