KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- During its annual Alumni and Friends Weekend, the Western Michigan hockey program will honor Mark Letestu for his contributions to the program by inducting him into the Ring of Honor. The Alumni and Friends Weekend is set for July 19-20, 2024.

A native of Elk Point, Alberta, Canada, Letestu played the 2006-07 season with Western Michigan, becoming one of the best players in the nation. During his freshman year, Letestu produced 46 points on 24 goals and 22 assists. He led the NCAA in shorthanded goals and finished the season ranked No. 7 in the nation in goals and No. 17 in total points. For his efforts, he was named the CCHA's Rookie of the Year and was a CCHA All-Rookie Team honoree. 

Following a standout season at WMU, Letestu began his professional career by signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He would go on to play 14 years of professional hockey, including 11 seasons in the NHL with the Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets. Letestu made his NHL debut on Nov. 14, 2009 against the Boston Bruins. In total, he played in 567 NHL games, totaling 210 points on 93 goals and 117 assists. 

He topped 20 points eight times in his career, including a career-best 35 points in 2016-17 with the Oilers. He also had a career-high 16 goals during that season. Playoff wise, Letestu was dominant during the 2016-17 run with the Oilers. He posted 11 points on five goals and six assists in 13 games. Overall, he played in 36 career playoff games, notching 15 points. Letestu retired from professional hockey in December of 2020.