Stars of the Game: Taylor Ward
9/15/2020
PRESENTED BY
Junior | Forward | Kelowna, British Columbia
No player has scored more points for the Omaha hockey team during the last two seasons than Taylor Ward. The junior from Kelowna, British Columbia burst onto the scene in 2018-19 on the wing with a couple of seniors, Mason Morelli and Fredrik Olofsson. He learned plenty from those veterans, earning 27 points while being named the NCHC Rookie of the Year and a member of the conference’s all-rookie team.
As a sophomore, Ward again earned 27 points, tying for the team lead, and paced the team with 16 goals, in spite of missing four games because of injury. The premature end to the 2019-20 season gave Ward an opportunity to fully rehab his injury. Now, he and his teammates will have plenty of time to prepare for the pandemic-delayed 2020-21 season, anticipated to start no earlier than Nov. 20.
A healthy Taylor Ward, a solid returning core and another strong recruiting class should put the Mavericks in position to make their mark in a season like none other in college hockey.
It has been really great to witness Taylor’s growth and maturity on and off the ice during his first two years here. He is a special player who continues to develop, and he’ll be a main driver for us this year.Head Coach Mike Gabinet
THREE QUESTIONS FOR TAYLOR WARD
What drew you to the University of Nebraska Omaha?
What drew me towards UNO was the attitudes surrounding the hockey program. The coaching staff, as well as the players, trainers, and all the other staff are all very determined on developing one of the best programs in the country, and it was something that I wanted to be a part of.
Describe your academic experience at UNO.
My academic experience has been great so far. Lindsey (Ekwerekwu) and the rest of the academic advisors and professors are all extremely helpful when it comes to our schooling. They have made my experience here at UNO as stress free as possible.
What are your favorite things about living in the city of Omaha?
I didn’t know a whole lot about Omaha before I came here, but now I love it. There’s a lot of cool spots around town, but my favorite is Aksarben Village. With the rink, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theater and more, there is everything you need all in one spot.
