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MTU
Michigan Tech’s Blake Pietila has been named National Goaltender of the Month for December by the Hockey Commissioners Association.
A former MTU goalie has also been honored. Tony Esposito was named to the Western Collegiate hockey Association All-1960s Team yesterday. Esposito led the Huskies to the 1965 NCAA championship. He went on to a long NHL career, and won the Vezina Trophy three times while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
MTU goalie Ken Bauman and forward Lou Angotti received honorable mention votes. The All-Decade Teams are being named in honor of the 70th season of WCHA men’s hockey.
NBA
The Detroit Pistons visit the Milwaukee Bucks tonight. Coverage begins at 7:35 on 99.3 The Lift.
MLB
The Detroit Tigers have signed the veteran outfielder they wanted. Robbie Grossman joins the team, with a two-year, $10 million contract. In eight seasons with the Astros, Twins and Athletics, Grossman has a career batting average of .252. His best power year was 2016, when hit hit 11 home runs in 99 games for Minnesota.
To make room for Grossman on the 40-man roster, Detroit designated outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. for assignment.
NHL
The Detroit Red Wings’ ECHL minor league affiliate will not play this season. The Toledo Walleye notified players yesterday that the team will not function this year. Officials said the inability to host fans because of COVID-19 restrictions made the season financially unviable. The team hopes to resume play next year. In all, 12 of the 26 ECHL teams have decided not to skate this season. Detroit’s top minor league team, the Grand Rapids Griffins, will operate.
Start times for games in the first portion of Detroit’s season have been announced. The Wings will open a week from tomorrow at home against the Carolina Hurricanes. Coverage will begin at 7:15 on 99.3 The Lift.
The NHL has sold naming rights to its four divisions for this season. The Central Division, in which the Red Wings will play, will be named after a credit card. The West Division will be named after a car, the East Division will be named after an insurance company, and the all-Canadian North Division will be named after a bank.
NFL
The finalists for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class have been revealed. They include former Green Bay Packers Charles Woodson and LeRoy Butler, and former Detroit Lion Calvin Johnson.
The NFL playoffs begin this weekend. Hear all the games on 99.3 The Lift.
Email sports news and scores to mornings@up.net.
