By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18
The Providence Bruins are awaiting their Division Semifinals opponent to see who they will face in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs. While a playoff opponent awaits, Providence got incredible news about its superstar goaltender, Michael DiPietro.
Last season, DiPietro won the 2025 Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the American Hockey League’s best goaltender. Earlier today, it was announced that DiPietro won the 2026 “Baz” Bastien Award, becoming the first Providence goaltender to win the award in two consecutive seasons.
“It was a goal of mine heading into the season, and it feels really good to accomplish that goal,” DiPietro said.
DiPietro has been incredible this season, and he’s a big reason why Providence finished with the AHL’s best record in 2026. DiPietro’s 34 wins led the AHL, and he also posted an impressive 1.91 GAA and a .930 save percentage with three shutouts in 45 games. DiPietro recorded more wins and a better GAA and save percentage this season than he did last season.
Last season, DiPietro was the first Providence goaltender to win the award since Niklas Svedberg did in 2013. DiPietro is the first AHL goaltender to win the award in back-to-back seasons since Dustin Wolf did in 2022 and 2023. DiPietro is also the fourth goaltender in AHL history to win the award twice in his career.
While the Charlotte Checkers eliminated Providence in the 2025 Division Semifinals, DiPietro was excellent in last year’s playoffs overall, winning three games and posting a 1.85 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Now, DiPietro is ready for a deep playoff run by Providence this year.
“I’m really eager for it,” DiPietro said. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity, and I think everybody in the room is.”
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