The American Hockey League (AHL) has announced that Michael DiPietro, a goaltender with the Providence Bruins, has been awarded the prestigious Les Cunningham Award for the 2025-26 season. This accolade recognizes him as the league’s most valuable player (MVP), marking a significant achievement in his career.
Michael DiPietro: A Historic Achievement
DiPietro is now the ninth goaltender in AHL history to receive the MVP honor. Previous winners include notable names such as Johnny Bower, Martin Brochu, and Dustin Wolf. His performances were recognized through votes from coaches, players, and media representatives across all 32 league cities.
Outstanding Statistics in the 2025-26 Season
Throughout the season, DiPietro showcased exceptional skills, finishing with a remarkable record of 34 wins, 8 losses, and 1 overtime loss. His statistics were impressive:
- Goals Against Average: 1.91 (league leader)
- Save Percentage: .930 (league leader)
- Total Wins: 34 (league leader)
- Minutes Played: 2,644 (5th overall)
- Shots Faced: 1,202 (5th overall)
- Saves: 1,118 (5th overall)
His performance included winning his first seven starts and a dominant 14-1-0 record from January 17 to March 14. DiPietro consistently allowed two goals or fewer in 33 of his 45 games, leading the Bruins to clinch the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the regular-season champions.
A Season of Recognition
In addition to the MVP award, DiPietro was selected as a First Team AHL All-Star for the second consecutive year. He also participated in the AHL All-Star Classic, highlighting his continued ascent in the league.
Career Overview
The 26-year-old goaltender, originally from Windsor, Ontario, has an impressive career in the AHL. His record stands at:
- Games Played: 190
- Wins: 118
- Losses: 50
- Overtime Losses: 14
- Goals Against Average: 2.39
- Save Percentage: .918
- Shutouts: 12
DiPietro was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He joined the Bruins through a trade on October 27, 2022, and has appeared in four NHL matches, including one this current season with the Boston Bruins.
Honoring a Legacy
The MVP award is named after Les Cunningham, a member of the AHL Hall of Fame, celebrated for his accomplishments as a five-time All-Star and three-time Calder Cup champion. The AHL, founded in 1936, is pivotal in the development of players, with nearly 90 percent of NHL athletes being AHL graduates.
DiPietro’s achievements not only underscore his talent but also continue the legacy of excellence within the AHL. His recognition as the league’s MVP reaffirms his status as a key player and a promising star for the future.
