Rich Pilon, a Canadian defenseman, played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade, primarily known for his time with the New York Islanders. Born on April 30, 1968, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Pilon grew up in a region where hockey was more than just a sport; it was a way of life. His journey to the NHL began in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Prince Albert Raiders, where he developed a reputation as a tough, physical player.
Pilon was drafted by the New York Islanders in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, selected in the seventh round as the 143rd overall pick. He made his NHL debut with the Islanders during the 1988-1989 season. Known for his rugged style of play, Pilon quickly became a fixture on the Islanders' blue line. His role was primarily that of an enforcer, tasked with protecting his teammates and maintaining a physical presence on the ice.
Throughout his career with the Islanders, Pilon was recognized for his defensive capabilities and his willingness to engage in the physical aspects of the game. He was not a high-scoring defenseman, but his contributions were measured in hits, blocked shots, and penalty minutes. Pilon's aggressive style often led to injuries, which sometimes limited his playing time, but he remained a consistent presence when healthy.
In 1999, after more than a decade with the Islanders, Pilon was traded to the New York Rangers. His tenure with the Rangers was brief, as he played only part of the 1999-2000 season with the team. Following his stint in New York, Pilon joined the San Jose Sharks for the 2000-2001 season. His time with the Sharks was also short-lived, as he played only a handful of games before moving on.
Pilon's final NHL stop was with the St. Louis Blues, where he played during the 2001-2002 season. After his time with the Blues, Pilon retired from professional hockey. Over the course of his NHL career, he played in 631 regular-season games, recording 8 goals, 62 assists, and 1,745 penalty minutes.
Rich Pilon's career was characterized by his role as a physical defenseman, often tasked with the gritty, less glamorous aspects of the game.
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