The American Hockey League announced Wednesday that Michael DiPietro has been named the recipient of the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the league’s top goaltender. It marks the second straight season he’s earned the honor, placing him alongside Troy Grosenick and Dustin Wolf as one of the few netminders to capture the award in back‑to‑back years.
In 45 games appearances, DiPietro posted a 34-8-3 record, leading the league in wins, goals against average (1.91) and save percentage (.930).
DiPietro is wrapping up the first season of a two‑year, one‑way deal carrying an $812,500 AAV, signed last summer. With this second award now on his resume — along with a First All‑Star Team nod earlier in the week — the offseason debate is only going to intensify among fans who believe it’s time to give him a real look in the NHL.
DiPietro cleared waivers last October so Boston could assign him to Providence, but it’s hard to imagine that happening again this fall. His stock has climbed too far, too fast for a repeat scenario to be anything close to a safe bet.
While Mike Dunham deserves recognition for helping stabilize and rebuild DiPietro’s game after his arrival from the Vancouver organization, the bulk of the credit belongs to DiPietro himself. His work ethic, his commitment to refining his craft, and his determination to silence doubters have been the driving forces behind his resurgence.
Also receiving awards were Patrick Brown who took home the Fed T. Hunt Memorial Award as the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship and dedication to hockey and Ryan Mougenel, who took home the Lois A. R. Pieri Memorial Award as Coach of the Year.
The Boston Bruins also announced on Wednesday that they have signed Providence defenseman Billy Sweezey to a one-year, two-way contract extension.
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