By: Agrani Tiwari
Growing up in the West Carleton area, hockey has always been a part of Carter Pilon’s life. He began skating as a toddler and joined his first team by age three, inspired by a family with deep ties to the sport. Starting with the West Carleton Warriors, his hockey journey included playing for the Crusaders, Silver Seven, and Ottawa Valley Titans, as well as Junior A hockey with the Carleton Place Canadians. His time at Ridley College in St. Catharines allowed him to further develop his skills before joining the Golden Knights.
Juggling junior hockey and a challenging degree program is no small feat, but Pilon a defenceman for Ottawa West Golden Knights has found a way to make it work. Splitting his time between the rink and his civil engineering studies at Carleton University, he exemplifies dedication both on and off the ice.
On the ice, Pilon has embraced the role of a shutdown defenseman, focusing on neutralizing opponents’ top players rather than racking up points. His playing style emphasizes solid defensive positioning and reliability, which has made him a valuable asset to the team.
Balancing hockey with academics is not without its challenges, but the Golden Knights organization supports its players, many of whom are students. This allows him to stay committed to his studies while contributing to the team’s success. Injuries, including issues with his shoulder and back, have added to the challenges, but they’ve taught him the importance of adapting and maintaining his physical health.
Despite these hurdles, his goals for the season remain ambitious. Helping the team win a championship is his top priority, and he brings leadership and experience to the dressing room as one of the older players on the roster.
While hockey is a key focus, Pilon’s long-term aspirations lie in civil engineering, a field he is passionate about. For now, he is savoring the opportunity to compete and make an impact with the Golden Knights while preparing for a future off the ice.
This season, his dedication to his studies and his team exemplifies how discipline and passion can drive success in multiple arenas. With his focus and determination, Pilon is poised to contribute to a memorable year for the Golden Knights.
