Pillar solidifies spot on Blazers after dazzling OT goal

Pillar’s perfect shot against the Cougars is a shot not many players, especially 16 year olds, can make at this level. Pillar’s confidence grew with that game-winner and being trusted in overtime.

“It was just really exciting, getting to out in overtime was exciting enough, and then scoring was just extra,” said Pillar of his goal.

In four exhibition games, Pillar scored twice and added an assist. He feels he’s done enough to earn a full-time job with the Blazers.

“Yeah hopefully. I guess I’m getting more comfortable as it’s going on,” said the Warman, Saskatchewan native who played last season with the Prince Albert Mintos. “It’s just adjusting to the speed and stuff and the physicality. Just the way the coach wants us to play.”

Despite a 4-1 preseason record, Lajoie says there are certain areas to shore up before the season-opener on Friday against Kelowna, including a power play that went 1 for 10 against Cougars on Saturday.

“The lesson we learned there is we don’t need a power play that is fancy,” said Lajoie. “We just need a power play that is simple. We have to revisit our mindset. We need to put pucks on net with good net front presence.”

The team will narrow down its No. 1 and No. 2 power play units at practice this week. As for Pillar, he has shown he wants to stick with the Blazers.

“I wouldn’t mind going back [to Prince Albert], but I really want to stay,” noted Pillar.

by Chad Klassen

Pillar solidifies spot on Blazers after dazzling OT goal

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