The 19-year-old forward from Saskatoon, the son of former NHLer Rich Pilon, is living up to expectations.
He led the Blazers in goals (12), assists (21) and points (33) after 24 games heading into a tilt against the Seattle Thunderbirds last Wednesday at Sandman Centre.
Those numbers tell part of the story (22 points in his last 10 games prior to last night’s contest are also notable), but what Pilon is doing for teammates may be just as important.
“Being prepared, how you train on and off the ice . . . When he goes onto the ice, he demands that players play at a high level,” Blazers’ head coach Don Hay said. “That’s how he leads. That’s the sign of a veteran player.”
Connor Zary, 16, has played the best hockey of his young career when paired on a line with Pilon. The same can be said for 19-year-old Jermaine Loewen, who after 18 games had already surpassed career highs in goals, assists and points.
“He’s been to all those NHL training camps, so he has all that experience,” said Zary, who has three goals this season, with Pilon assisting on two of them. “It really helps a young guy like me just want to play up to his level.”
Perhaps the most impressive angle to Pilon’s success this season is his versatility.
The 5-foot-11, right-hand shot has played both wings and centre, has two power-play goals, two shorthanded markers and creates chemistry with whomever he is paired.
“Jermaine likes to go down the wall and he creates space and that was a plus,” Pilon said.
“Zary can make plays. A guy like Shep [Jackson Shepard], he works hard in the corners, so he’s going to hold onto pucks.
“It’s different ways to play with different guys. If you know how to play with them, you get success.”
Pilon said he is putting extra time into body maintenance, eating well and working out properly, and showing up to practice early to watch video.
Kamloops nabbed Pilon in Round 7 of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft and opted to let him mature in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League for his 16-year-old season in 2014-2015, while Loewen and fellow 1998-born forwards Quinn Benjafield and Jake Kryski were playing for the Blazers.
The decision paid off for Pilon, who had 15 goals and 47 points in his 17-year-old WHL campaign in 2015-2016 and racked up 20 goals and 65 points last season.
He is on pace for a career season in 2017-2018 — a campaign that may not finish with him playing for the Blazers.
The WHL’s Jan. 10 trade deadline looms and Pilon is among Kamloops’ most valuable assets, a star forward on a team that is bidding on the 2020 Memorial Cup.
“Obviously, you hear stuff and you know all that may be happening,” Pilon said. “It’s nothing against our team or anything, but it’s where they’re at in the organization and the way they want to move forward with the Memorial Cup in 2020.”
Pilon made his pro debut last season, getting into one playoff game with the Hershey Bears, the Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate.
It won’t be a surprise if he cracks the Bears’ lineup full-time in 2018-2019, but he isn’t looking too far ahead.
The Everett Silvertips are in town on Friday. Game time is 7 p.m. at Sandman Centre.
“Right now, I’m a Kamloops Blazer and I want to do the best for this team,” Pilon said.
