I’ve spent all season getting to know Pierce Mbuyi’s game on the ice and behind my lens, but I really hadn’t had a chance to chat with him until today. The OHL rookie leading scorer, the current OHL rookie of the month and the player who is chasing a rookie franchise record is soft spoken, polite and humble. While he’s enjoying the accolades, he’s quick to give the credit to his teammates and the coaching staff here in Owen Sound. With three hat tricks this season and some solid first line ice time as a 16 year old, Mbuyi is a key building block in the future of the Attack franchise and he’s appreciating every opportunity that comes his way.

You guys have a quieter week before things ramp up. What’s the feeling among the team right now?
We’re just getting prepared for the weekend. It’s a big one for us with the playoff push against Sarnia, the Soo, and Guelph. We’re making sure our bodies are ready and staying mentally prepared.

I heard you might be getting a couple of guys back soon?
Yeah, I think Decker (Michael Dec) is close. I’m not sure if it’ll be this weekend or next, but he’ll be here soon.

You were just named OHL Rookie of the Month after being Rookie of the Week a couple of times. It feels like something really clicked in the last month. What do you think that was?
I think all the work I’ve been putting in is just starting to pay off. I owe a lot to my coaches and teammates — they’ve given me so many opportunities as a 16-year-old. Some guys don’t even get into the lineup at 16, so to be on the first line is amazing. I’m really thankful.

You’ve had three hat tricks, including one on the same night as Landon. What did the first one feel like?
It was awesome — to do that in front of the fans at the Bayshore was unreal. Those games where everything’s clicking are the most fun—when I’m getting all the bounces. But it’s all thanks to my teammates giving me the puck at the right time.

The night you and Landon both got hat tricks, I think you looked even more excited for his. What’s it been like playing alongside him?
It’s been great. He’s such a smart player, and he’s a big guy — so not many people mess with him. I feel protected out there. Our chemistry has been building all year.

And things have been working well with Tristan Delilah on that line too.
Yeah, he’s a great centerman — wins battles in the corners and almost every draw. It’s great having him up the middle.

You’re leading rookie scoring in the league and chasing the Attack rookie scoring record. How much is that on your mind?
I try not to think about it too much. I just want to help my team have a chance to win every night. The points and records are cool but the team comes first.

This was pegged as a rebuilding year, but the team has surprised people. What’s stood out to you?
The work ethic. We’ve beaten top teams because of our dog-on-a-bone mentality. The coaches have built that culture — we’re one of the hardest-working teams in the league.

You’ve been getting more physical as the season goes on. How did that adjustment happen?
At first, I didn’t realize how fast and strong the guys would be — some are 20 years old. Now I’ve learned when to hit someone and who not to mess with. You figure it out pretty quick.

How did you get started in hockey?

My brother was a goalie, so I was always at the rink with him with my mini stick. I started walking around in skates when I was two. Hockey’s always been what I wanted to do.

How did you family get into hockey?

My dad is originally from Russia and there’s definitely no hockey background in our family before my brother and I. My brother got into it through friends at school just wanting to be a Canadian kid and he decided to be a goalie — which was even weirder. But he loved it and stuck with it. From then one we were always at the rink and it changed our lives.

I know your mom was a big influence on your career. People say this team is playing for something bigger. Is that always on your mind?
Everything I do is for my mom. Sometimes I think I’m trying to create a movie for her every game. She is always on my mind.

Well, then there have been some great scenes for her this year. I’m sure she’d be very proud. Your dad’s been around quite a bit — is your family able to make it up often?
Yeah, my dad comes up when he’s not traveling for business. If the game’s within three hours, he’s there. I have cousins in PEI who watch every game and text me after too. The support from my family means the world to me.

What did you think when you first heard you were coming to Owen Sound?
I didn’t know much about it to be honest, but I played with Smitty (Gabe Smith) growing up so I’d talked to him about it and he had good things to say.

Owen Sound isn’t Mississauga, but what do you think of the city now?
I love it. There aren’t many distractions — it’s just hockey and school. It’s perfect for me. I spend some of my summers in PEI, so I’m used to small places and it suits me.

Fred Wallace announces your goals with “Goal by number 21 Pierce … and the crowd fills in your last name now. Can you hear that on the ice?

Yeah, it’s so cool. The first time it happened, me and Hooks were laughing on the bench. It’s special to have that happen in the Bayshore.

There’s a lot of talk about the “Kid Line” — you, Zurawski and Michael Dec. What’s the potential for this team?
We’ve drafted really well. We’ve got guys who were going the NCAA route but are coming back now. I think we can do something special in the next couple of years here.

As for this season, how important is making the playoffs this year?
It’s huge. Everyone says playoff hockey is so different. It would be a great experience — especially playing in London. Who wouldn’t want to play in that rink? And maybe we can surprise some people.

What’s the goal heading to Erie?

Four points. We’ve done well against them this year, so the goal is to win both games and come back ready for Wednesday against Flint.

Do you have a bus buddy?
I usually get my own seat, but with some of the boys coming back, it might be Mikus this trip.

What do you absolutely need on the bus?
My AirPods — I’m either listening to music or scrolling Instagram.

Do you have any good road trip stories from this year so far?

One time in Ottawa, I was rooming with Georgie and he made me do an ice bath. I lasted 13 seconds — it was probably the worst thing I’ve ever done in my life. He was filling up the tub from the ice machine.

That’s hilarious. Thanks so much for your time Pierce and good luck this weekend.
Of course. See you on Wednesday.