Reid Taylor spent last season with the Littleton Hawks’ 18U AA team, making it all the way to USA Hockey Youth Nationals.

This season, the Morrison native has made the jump to the NCDC’s Rock Springs Grizzlies, a team based in Wyoming, after signing a tender agreement with the club in March.

“I like the opportunities that I have had here and love the opportunity for development given the coaching staff and consistency within the program,” Taylor said. “When it comes to being away from home, I have a great billet family thats feels like a second home so it has been an amazing fit.”

Taylor has also seen time this year with the Iron County Yeti, the Grizzlies’ affiliate team in the USPHL Premier division.

“Because I am one of the youngest players on the team, I don’t dress for every game with Rock Springs, so they send me down to our affiliate to get games in, especially when they play better teams such as Vernal, who hasn’t lost a game this year,” explained Taylor.

Taylor noted that while the 2023-24 season at the start wasn’t what he envisioned, the end result was a definite positive.

“Last season was good overall as it got me where I wanted to be,” Taylor said. “However, it wasn’t my first option as I was dealing with injuries around the time of tryouts last year. In the end, it worked out for the best. I had a good experience and successful year as we made it to nationals.”

Growing up, Taylor said his passion for the game started some 16 years ago.

“My hockey journey started when I was two,” said Taylor. “I first learned how to skate at the Ice Ranch in Littleton. The NHL didn’t have a major impact on me starting hockey. It mainly started because my dad was in the hockey industry and wanted me to try it out.

“While in Colorado, the things I will remember the most are winning a state championship, qualifying for International Silver Sticks, and going to nationals. I also am thankful and will remember all the friends that I have met playing hockey growing up.”

Back home, in addition to the Hawks, Taylor skated for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, Boulder Hockey Club and Monarch High School. He said that coaches that really helped him improve over the years were James Mercure, Cole Fletcher, Steve Strunk, Steve Quailer and Matt Doman.

Looking ahead, Taylor has his goals set high but believes all can be reached.

“When it comes to my goals in hockey, I would say the biggest one for me is playing NCAA hockey, preferably at a higher end academic school as I have a strong GPA,” Taylor said. “When it comes to personal goals, I want to get a business/finance degree, along with another degree in sports management while in college.”

Photo/Abby St. Marie

— Matt Mackinder

(December 18, 2024)