One of the best story lines to come out of last year for the Sudbury Wolves was the emergence of the Pilon Twins, Drake and Darian.
You might say they made their mark for their play on the ice, and their dancing off of it.
The Twins were free agent signees, camp invites and won roster spots last season.
Opponents who played the Sudbury Wolves were literally seeing double after being hit by these two kids from Sault Ste. Marie
But the PIM Twins are looking to fill out their role as they take the step into their second season in the OHL.
“Pretty much the same thing as last year, just a little more toned down, more controlled, smart,” Darian said. “Shut down and big hits, but put the puck in the net and make some plays at the same time.”
“I worked on my footwork (this summer) and more of my skill game,” Drake said. “I have the physical and the work ethic, I just need to work on the finesse kind of stuff.”
Darian and Drake Pilon turn 19 in October. They’re older, more experienced, with new skills. But they have lost something going into this season: The element of surprise. They are on film and teams will be able to scout and plan for the duo who are often on a line together.
So now they have to figure out how to have an impact. It might be simpler than you think.
“Just go out there and do a job,” Darian said. “Just got to make sure that when you go out there, you work harder than anyone else.”
It’s well known the two are competitive with each other. Darian had the better year point-wise last season with nine goals, 11 assists and 97 penalty minutes, while Drake had five goals, eight assists and 87 penalty minutes.
That brotherly competition doesn’t just force the brothers to work that much harder, but it pays dividends for the team. Do they have an inkling who’ll be the better performer this year?
“I hope it’s me,” Drake said. “But who knows? Whoever gets the bounces or really gets hot early on and throughout the season.”
“Not sure, we’ll have to see,” Darian added.
Like the rest of the Pack, the dynamic duo from the Soo are adjusting to their new coaches, but it seems more than anyone, Cory Stillman’s style will fit their game.
“I love it so far. They couldn’t show the guys that they care about us any more,” said Darian.
“It’s hard, fast-paced, great structure and just great coaches as well,” said Drake. “It’s more work hard and good things are going to happen.”
Judging by exhibition play, Darian and Drake have gotten bigger, stronger and quicker over the summer. Will that translate into on-ice success for their second year in the league?
Time will tell. But the Pilon twins are just itching to get out onto the ice, to put their muscle where their mouth is, so to speak, and be a force to be reckoned with on the Sudbury Wolves’ bench.
Nick Liard covers the Sudbury Wolves for Sudbury.com.
