Rob Pearson, a former NHL and OHL player, recently announced his exit as the head coach of the Pickering Panthers in the Ontario Junior A Hockey League. From his early days as a young fan in Toronto to playing in the NHL and later becoming a coach and mentor, Pearson’s journey in hockey has come full circle. His story reflects a deep connection to the sport and a commitment to giving back to the next generation.
From a Toronto Fan to a First-Round NHL Draft Pick
Pearson grew up in a Toronto family that loved the Maple Leafs. His parents had season tickets, so he watched games often and dreamed of wearing the blue and white one day. That dream became real when the Toronto Maple Leafs picked him 12th overall in the 1989 NHL Draft held in Minnesota.
One funny memory from that day was when Leafs legend George Armstrong took him to dinner. Pearson ordered two steaks, and Armstrong joked that it was the first time a Leafs draft pick had ever done that.
Pearson wasn’t alone from his junior team either — the Leafs picked three players from the same OHL team, Belleville Bulls, in the first round. Scott Thornton went third, Pearson 12th, and Steve Bancroft 21st overall. “We really enjoyed it,” Pearson said about the special moment with his teammates.
Playing Career Across the NHL, AHL, and Europe
Pearson played 269 NHL games from 1991 to 1997 for teams like Toronto, Washington, and St. Louis. After that, he continued playing in the AHL and IHL and ended his career in Germany with the Frankfurt Lions in 2001-02.
His junior career had standout seasons, scoring 48 goals and 88 points in 1989-90, and 63 goals and 118 points in 1990-91 with Belleville and Oshawa. His best NHL season came in 1992-93 with 23 goals and 211 penalty minutes — a strong mix of offense and toughness.
Life After Hockey: A New Path and Coaching Role
Transitioning from hockey wasn’t easy for Pearson. He admitted he had to take a break and learn how to live a normal life again. Eventually, he joined Michael Boyer Chevrolet in Pickering, Ontario, where he now works as the Business Elite Manager.
But hockey wasn’t far from his heart. He returned to the game as a coach, guiding and mentoring young players. He led the Pickering Panthers from 2019 until the end of the 2024-25 season. Under his leadership, the team won the Buckland Cup in 2022 and he was named Coach of the Year in 2021-22 after a stellar 39-10-1-3 record.
Passing on Wisdom to the Next Generation
Pearson’s son, Luke, plays as a goalie for Yale University. Rob has passed on his wisdom not only to his son but to many young players. His message is clear: take your time, find your game, and don’t rush success. He believes patience and confidence are key to long-term success in hockey — and in life.
“You just felt it was a good opportunity to give back and help these kids,” he said, reflecting on his time as a coach.
Rob Pearson’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and love for the game. From watching Leafs games as a child to playing for them, and finally coaching young players, he has experienced every side of hockey. He may be stepping away from coaching for now, but his impact will be felt for years to come. Whether on the ice or behind the bench, Pearson has always shown what it means to be committed, passionate, and ready to help the next generation.
His journey proves that while a player may leave the game, the game never truly leaves the player.
