Twin torches of the Wolves
Free agent rookie forwards from the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, twin brothers Darian Pilon and Drake Pilon have brought a fiery passion to the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League.
The pesky pair, who just turned 18-years of age earlier this month, have quickly made an impact with the Wolves with their agitating, relentless style of play.
Both are small in stature, standing in at 5-foot-10 and weighing 170 pounds, but big in heart and desire.
As first-year players for the Wolves, who are off to a 3-2-0 start after missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, both have contributed offensively while being aggressive as shutdown, puck-pursuit forwards.
Darian has 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points in 5 games. Drake has 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points in 5 games.
Wolves general manager Barclay Branch is a big fan of the twin torches, who first attended Sudbury’s camp a year ago as little-known skaters from Sault Ste. Marie.
“They almost made our team last year but we thought they would benefit more from going back home to the Soo and playing for a very-good Jr. A team (the Thunderbirds) in a very-good league (the NOJHL),” Branch told HockeyNewsNorth.com.
“As it turned out,” Branch continued, “it was the right decision. They got to play a lot on a team that eventually won a league championship. And when they came back to us this year, there was no stopping them.”
Branch said it is the effort level and work ethic of the Pilons that makes them so special.
“They practise and they play the game the same — all out, all the time,” praised Branch. “They never let up and they show up for every practice and every game like they are still trying to make our team. They don’t know any other way but to play the game hard and with maximum effort.”
Prior to playing in the NOJHL for the Soo and now in the OHL with Sudbury, the Pilons were virtual unknowns.
They spent the 2014-2015 season with the erstwhile Batchewana Attack of the now-defunct Canadian International Hockey League and in 2013-2014, they played at the AA midget level in the Soo.
# 1 Fan Faves at the Old barn!!!!!
I luv the fact that the Woofers got these 2 kids from right from under the nose’s of the Sault Greyhounds. I have not seen 2 kids with energy like this in a long long time.
Gotta love them.I allways have
Nice to see the twins excel. Hard work and determination pays off. 2 more Soo kids who had to leave town to further their hockey careers. Go figure!