Putting on the work boots
Peardon plays an important role with Kensington Wild
KENSINGTON – Forward Reid Peardon understands his role with the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild.
Although it is not a glamourous one most days, the Georgetown native takes great pride contributing to the New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Major Midget Hockey League team through good oldfashioned hard work.
“Our team doesn’t win or get points unless somebody is going to retrieve the puck and doing that dirty work,” said Wild head coach Kyle Dunn. “That’s what Reid Peardon does.
“He’s constantly working in the corners, mucking and grinding and winning those dirty battles. He does a lot of stuff that does not end up on the game sheet, like blocking shots, winning key faceoffs and he just finds a way to contribute to the team. Coaches love to see that stuff.”
That is exactly how Peardon played in Saturday’s 2-1 homeice win over the Fredericton Caps. Although he did not register a point, he was one of the Wild’s hardest-working players. This effort did not go unnoticed as he was recognized by the coaching staff in the team’s postgame victory ritual in the dressing room.
“He’s small but he plays big and plays a big role,” said Dunn. “He plays on our power play and penalty kill and is reliable in his zone.
“We lean on him for all aspects of the game and he’s looked upon as a leader in our group.”
An industrious work ethic is just one of the reasons the 17-year-old son of Wade and Trudy Peardon is an assistant captain this year.
“It’s been pretty good,” said Peardon, assessing his play. “I am still hoping to have a better second half points-wise, but I think I am doing enough for the team.
“I need to get some more points in the second half.”
Peardon has 11 points in 15 games this season. He added he likes to play a complete game.
“I like to think I am a 200-foot player that can be depended on in any situation, whether it’s 5-on-5, PK (penalty killing), power play,” said Peardon. “If the points aren’t coming you have to find other ways of getting involved. Right now that’s how I have to play.”
Peardon acknowledged he feels more comfortable in his second season with the Wild.
“When you first come in your first year you are not sure what to expect, but this year it’s been good,” said Peardon. “There are no issues with the boys, so (being an assistant captain) is a pretty easy job.”
RECORD
The Wild enters Christmas in second place in the six-team league at 12-6-2 (won-lost-overtime losses). The squad returns to work on Boxing Day as the Charlottetown Knights (5-14-2) visit Credit Union Centre in Kensington for the annual Boxing Day clash between the two provincial rivals at 7:30 p.m. The two teams will meet in a noon start at MacLauchlan
Arena in Charlottetown on New Year’s Eve.
“No matter what the standings are, just because of the rivalry it’s always a big game and you can’t sit back at all for it,” warned Peardon, who admitted games against the Knights feature a different intensity.
“It’s always going to be intense against them because everybody knows each other and wants to win against their buddies,” he added. “Nobody is friends on the ice.”