DiPietro says renewed joy has helped his Bruins roster bid
In a new Bruins interview, the goaltender discusses his mental reset and the work behind his chance at an NHL job.
Michael DiPietro says learning to enjoy hockey again has helped him reach a serious shot at the Boston Bruins’ backup job. In a Bruins interview published Sunday, the goaltender spoke openly about his mental health and the support he has received from goaltender development coach Mike Dunham.
“I think mental health in general is super important and I’m super open about my mental health journey,” DiPietro said. He described talking through negative thoughts that can arise during games and putting more attention on his daily routine and attitude. “You want to be happy, upbeat and enjoy being at the rink because whenever you enjoy doing something that you love, it doesn’t really feel like work. And that’s when you play your best.”
Dunham said DiPietro needed to remember that hockey could be fun after a difficult start to his professional career. Boston acquired him from Vancouver in October 2022, and he spent a season with ECHL Maine before taking over the net in Providence. He has since won the AHL’s Baz Bastien Award as its outstanding goaltender in consecutive seasons.
The Bruins have an opening behind Jeremy Swayman following Joonas Korpisalo’s July trade to the New York Rangers. DiPietro has made 30 and 26 saves in two exhibition outings. Coach Marco Sturm said, “If he plays like the way he did last game, I think he is pretty safe.”
DiPietro has avoided treating the job as his to lose. “Having the opportunity to fight for a job and earn a job was obviously my thought,” he said.
