Pilon’s NHL draft dreams expected to come true this weekend

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The following season Pilon asked for a trade after just 17 games, feeling he needed a change of scenery to continue his development toward a possible pro career. Pilon embraced the trade to Brandon and became a stalwart on a deep Wheat King defence corps scoring 11 goals and 52 points this past season.

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He gained valuable experience with an additional 19 games while the Wheat Kings made their playoff run to the WHL final. Brandon lost to Kelowna after the Rockets loaded up by trading for former Prince Albert Raiders Josh Morrissey, Leon Draisaitl, Gage Quinney and Chance Braid.

Pilon improved statistically, but also feels his is a better all-around player with leadership skills after his third season in the WHL.  

Pilon said he has learned to take whatever is thrown at him as learning experiences, although the Lethbridge experience was stressful. 

“That’s over and done with,” said Pilon. The nephew of former NHL player and Raider Wall of Honour member Rich Pilon said he is looking forward another season in Brandon where the Wheat Kings are expected to contend for a WHL championship. 

“It was a great move to Brandon, everything has worked out very positively, team wise and from a personal standpoint and I’m not looking back.”  

Pilon has had a lot of exposure in front of NHL scouts. In addition to three seasons in the WHL, He has played for Team Canada at the World-Under-18 championships and the annual Ivan Hlinka U-18 tournament and toiled for Team Orr at last season’s CHL prospects game.

Pilon has also played at the Western Canada U-16 championships, the World U-17 challenge and the Youth Olympic Games where he was a teammate of Raider winger Reid Gardiner. However, Pilon is rated anywhere from 24th to 94th depending on the ranking service, something he tries not to think about.

“You try not to as best as you can. It’s always in the back of your head where you think you’re going to end up. The bottom line is, come that day (it depends on) what team wants you most and what team needs you, so whatever team that may be I’ll be very proud of.”       

This is Pilon’s first year of eligibility for the NHL draft because of his Oct. 10, 1996 birthday and despite overcoming obstacles heading into the biggest weekend of his young life, Pilon said remaining grounded will help him moving forward.

“Staying humble, remembering where you came from is the way I like to look at it, being a small town kid, remembering all the good times playing minor hockey, not getting too high, not getting too low, but definitely when it happens (getting drafted) there is for sure going to be some excitement from me and my family.”    

Pilon will have family members at his side.  The first round, when players selected will make the walk to the podium starts at 5 p.m. Friday night, with rounds two to seven on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m.

paNOW will have continuing coverage.

dwilson@panow.com

On Twitter: @RaidersVoice