Introduction
Drake Pilon, a Canadian forward, made a significant impact during the 23/24 season with the Fife Flyers, quickly becoming a fan favourite. Renowned for his gritty play style and relentless on-ice effort, Pilon consistently demonstrated determination to win the puck and create offensive opportunities. Unafraid to deliver big hits or engage in fights, he inspired his teammates and became a formidable presence on the ice, earning a reputation as a true rebel in the sport.
23/24 season with Kalamazoo Wings
Drake Pilon, a Canadian forward, began the 23/24 season with the Kalamazoo Wings. In his 15 games with the team, he recorded 2 points (Pts), had a plus/minus rating of -2, and accumulated 32 penalty minutes (PIM). Pilon showcased his gritty play style, characterised by his relentless effort and determination to win the puck. Known for his physicality, he was never afraid to throw big hits or engage in fights, often using his toughness to motivate his teammates and establish himself as a fierce competitor on the ice.
Image to left by Blair Smith
Image to the right by Blair Smith
23/24 season with the Fife Flyers
Later in the 23/24 season the Fife Flyers were looking to bring in new players to bolster their team. Drake Pilon offered some grittiness to his game along with offensive prowess. The Flyers needed to add some grit to their roster to prevent bigger players picking on their star players and causing a risk of injury to these players. This signing was a smart move by Tom Coolen; having a gritty player like Drake Pilon lining up next to big hitter Brady Pouteau.
Drake Pilon’s first game with the club was on New Year’s Eve against the Glasgow Clan in Fife Ice Arena; this game was where Andrew Little picked up his first professional win. Pilon’s grittiness was evident in this game with him winding up Clan players all night long and drawing many penalties to give his team an advantage; however, he was also picking up penalties as he would sit for three minor penalties. That night was the night Pilon cemented himself as a fan favourite in the Auld Barn; he brought a style of play which hasn’t been present since pre-Covid.
Drake Pilon would play the entire second half of the season bringing a physical presence to the ice to motivate his teammates. He played 30 games putting up 8 Pts (4 goals, 4 assists) and he totalled 33 PIM.
Notable fight with Dyson Stevenson
The Fife Flyers made the journey to Glasgow on the 1st of March 2024 to face off against their struggling rivals the Glasgow Clan. Prior to this game Dyson Stevenson the captain of the Glasgow Clan made an appearance on the Leather’d podcast alongside his teammate Ryan Harrison. Steveson was heard saying that Fife Flyers don’t really have any tough guys but they do have a boy who throws himself around and thinks he’s tough; this was in response to one of the podcast hosts asking if there’s any players Stevenson would fight. Come that game Drake Pilon and Dyson Stevenson would drop the gloves straight at the whistle in the first period. They would both throw haymakers, giving each other a few hard blows to the face; however, Pilon was relentless and was the better fighter in this matchup as he took the win. Stevenson wouldn’t return to the game and Pilon wouldn’t play the whole game either.
Video Above: Drake Pilov v Dyson Stevenson 01/03/2024
Conclusion
Drake Pilon's re-signing for the 24/25 season is a testament to his significant impact on the Fife Flyers. His gritty play style, relentless effort, and ability to inspire teammates made him a fan favourite and a key asset. By bringing back Pilon, the Flyers ensure their roster maintains the toughness and determination needed to compete at the highest level. Fans can look forward to more of Pilon's high-energy, impactful performances, promising an exciting new season ahead.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Calan Yule
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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