Michigan Tech forward Max Koskipirtti celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal Friday in a game against Bemidji State at the Sanford Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech University.)

HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech Huskies hockey forward Max Koskipirtti has been named the CCHA Forward of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.

He is Tech’s 10th player of the week honor this season, and for Koskipirtti, it is his third weekly honor of his career.

“He’s a glue guy,” said Huskies coach Bill Muckalt of Koskipirtti. “Usually, he’s tremendous in the faceoff. Thought he was great Friday, not as good in the dot Saturday, but he’s so valuable.

“He can kill penalties. He’s on our power play. He plays on our top line.”

Muckalt really appreciates that he can trust the game Koskipirtti will bring night in and night out.

“He’s been very dependable,” Muckalt said. “I have a lot of trust in his game. He’s got a calming presence, plays the game the right way. Really appreciate what he brings on and off the ice to our group.”

Koskipirtti scored two goals on Friday in the 5-2 win at Bemidji State. He scored Tech’s third goal in the first period and the game-winning goal in the third. He also won 20 faceoffs in the victory and added an assist in Saturday’s 4-3 win.

Koskipirtti leads the team with nine goals this season and has 18 assists. He ranks fifth in the nation in faceoff wins and second in overall draws taken. He is tied for the CCHA lead with three game-winning goals, which is ninth in the nation.

Muckalt also likes how Koskipirtti, an alternate captain as a junior, functions as a leader for the young Huskies lineup.

“He’s not a big vocal guy,” said Muckalt. “I think he’s more of a lead by example-type player. There’s different ways to lead, but I do think they talk and they communicate. I think Isaac (Gordon) had made some really good plays to ‘Stiv’ (Stiven Sardarian) on Saturday night, so it was nice to see that. Usually it’s the other way around where Stiv is making the plays.

“I think that line, they’re two juniors and a senior, they have some veteran experience. I think that’s showing as they carry our group.”

Up next

Tech is 14-8-2 overall and 9-3-2 in the CCHA and finally returns to the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena this weekend, hosting No. 17 Minnesota State. The puck drops at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 6:07 p.m. Saturday.