Family, tradition, college hockey returning to Grand Rapids for the 57th annual Great Lakes Invitational

GRAND RAPIDS — There are three things many Michiganders love around the holiday season. Cookies, Christmas carols and college hockey. Heading into the 57th edition of the Great Lakes Invitational, fans, players and coaches alike are excited to participate in one of college hockey’s most legendary in-season showcases. In a very holiday-esque theme, families will not just be coming together to watch the good ol’ hockey game, but they will be playing in it as well. While there are many great hockey families like the Sutters, the Staals and the Suters, the Pietila family has etched their name into the history books in the Upper Peninsula. Currently, four from the family, which stretches from Howell to Houghton, are on the…