Mike "Loose" Peluso (born September 2, 1974) is an American former professional ice hockey right winger who played 38 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers.

Mike Peluso
Born	(1974-09-02) September 2, 1974 (age 47) Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	208 lb (94 kg; 14 st 12 lb)
Position	Right Wing
Shot	Right
Played for	Chicago Blackhawks Philadelphia Flyers
National team	United States
NHL Draft	253rd overall, 1994 Calgary Flames
Playing career	1998–2004

Playing career

He was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 10th round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. He spent most of his career in the minor leagues, although he did see short amounts of time in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers. Other notable hockey accomplishments: Mike is a top 20 all time scorer in points and a top 10 all time goal scorer at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Mike also holds the North Dakota High School hockey single season scoring record with 99 points in 23 games during the old 15 minute period era.

Peluso represented Team USA at the World Championships in Russia in 2000. He was also a 4 time AHL All Star selection.

He retired after the 2003–04 NHL season. NHL lockout and injuries were reason for retirement.

Mike went on to coaching back in ND after retirement. 4 seasons as an assistant coach with NAHL Bismarck Bobcats and a 11 seasons as the Head Coach of the Bismarck High Demons. The Demons won their first State Title under Peluso in 2014. They were also State Runners up 5 other times under Mikes guidance.

Personal life

Peluso is the younger cousin of Stanley Cup champion Mike Peluso, who also played for Chicago.

Mike was the head hockey coach at Bismarck High School, where he coached the team to their first ever state title. He coached BHS for 11 seasons bringing them to the state title game 6 times.

Peluso is also a professional fisherman and a full-time guide in North Dakota.

Awards and honors

• Inducted into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame 2020
• Holds the North Dakota high school single-season scoring record with 99 points in 23 games.
• First Bismarck native to play in any of the four major North American sports leagues.

References

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database