Pilot-ing The Storm

Tonight, my feature is on Tri-City Storm forward Michael Pilot.

The Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota native has appeared in 38 games this season, notching 6 goals and 5 assists in that span. In his third year under coach Littler and the Storm, Pilot is easily having his best season so far. In his first two seasons combined, he appeared in 53 games and recorded 4 goals and 6 assists. Though this year hasn't been the highest in the point total category, Pilot did have his best game as a Storm player at Lincoln, where he registered 2 goals in the loss. This game was also the only game he has recorded multiple points in a single game.

Pilot had to go through a rough time last season, as he had to deal with the passing of his father. This has to be a tough event for anyone to go through, but it has to be even tougher being nearly 10 hours from home. He missed a handful of games to be home with his family following that tragic event, but Michael eventually found himself back in Kearney playing the game he loves. He didn't have the best of seasons, but that's understandable given his situation at the time.

Pilot has been in and out of the lineup recently this season, but he's a quality player and should be in a Storm sweater next season to cap off his junior career. If he can stay healthy and play good hockey, he should easily be able to double his production next season.

This kid has overcome a lot of adversity. He deserves nothing more than respect and praise for overcoming such adversity from fans around the league. Congrats to Pilot for being able to overcome that situation and continue to play hockey.

In the coming days, a new feature will be on a player from an East Division team.