Soo connection to Sudbury


By
August 25, 2017

Sault Ste. Marie’s link to the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League has doubled over the course of the summer.

The recent acquisition of 1999 birth year defenseman Nolan Makkonen in a trade with the Guelph Storm and the earlier off-season hiring of associate coach Jordan Smith gives the Wolves four Sault Ste. Marie products on their roster.

Before Makkonen and Smith joined the Wolves, they were already represented by Darian Pilon and Drake Pilon, who are twin brothers and 1998 birth-year forwards hailing from the Soo.

The Pilons debuted as free agent rookies with the Wolves in 2016-2017 with Darian putting up 9 goals, 11 assists, 20 points and 97 penalty minutes in 67 games and Drake posting 5 goals, 8 assists, 13 points and 87 penalty minutes in 58 outings.

Of note, all four members of Sudbury’s Soo connection came to the OHL via the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.

Makkonen formerly played with the Soo Eagles while Smith and the Pilon brothers are alumni of the Soo Thunderbirds.

PHOTO: The Pilon brothers of Sault Ste. Marie celebrate a goal while playing for the Sudbury Wolves.


What you think about “Soo connection to Sudbury”

  1. I was thinking of the boys yesterday in connection to our minor midget team. At this age they were playing AA hockey. People said they wouldn’t make it. We need to be better at encouraging rather than telling kids at 13, 14, 15 they aren’t very good and won’t get drafted or won’t make the O. They were determined and worked their asses off to get there. While we celebrate in this city the ‘star’ players I think we should spend more time recognizing the boys who make it the old fashion way! We’re in a little bit of a dry patch here ahead maybe so we need to really work with these kids coming up and perhaps the midget or bantam teams have the next Drake Pilon or Darian Pilon on the team right now who will make it! Have a great season boys!

  2. Jamie you are correct. Only one way to go…. and its up.

    Best of luck to you and your team for the coming season.

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