By: Jordan McAlpine, Sports Reporter
OMAHA, Neb. – After a successful senior season and collegiate career, Taylor Ward made his childhood dream a reality. Ward signed an NHL contract with the Los Angeles Kings and on March 20, he made his professional debut with the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.
The now-former Omaha forward has played seven games with the Reign, but the last three weeks have been a whirlwind.
“It’s been pretty hectic and the last three weeks have been crazy,” Ward said from his temporary home in California. “My life is a little bit all over the place right now, but I made it out here and I’ve been playing. That always makes the adjustment easier when you can kind of jump right into something, so it’s been going well so far.”
The right-shot winger had been considered one of the top undrafted free agents in college hockey throughout much of this season. He finished the 2021-22 campaign with a career-high 19 goals and 39 points, both of which led the Mavericks. Ward also had the second-most power-play goals in the country as 12 of his 19 ___ came on the man advantage.
When Omaha’s season ended at Western Michigan on March 12, Ward started talking with the Kings shortly thereafter. He signed a one-year deal with the organization on March 19, which will start next season, and joined the Reign for the remainder of this season on an Amateur Tryout Offer (ATO).
As exciting as it was to begin the next chapter of his career, it was also bittersweet leaving Omaha behind. He’s grateful for his four years with the Mavericks.
“I loved it and I enjoyed it, but it did fly by,” Ward said. “I made a boatload of memories that I’ll never forget, so it’s a bit of a double-edged sword leaving. I’m happy that I spent my four years there and I couldn’t envision going anywhere else. I’m happy with how it went and now it’s time for the next chapter.”
As for becoming a professional hockey player, Ward said it’s surreal to have that dream now become a reality. But he’s also not completely satisfied yet. The son of a 10-year NHL forward, Ward is now one step away from the NHL himself. That’s his ultimate goal.
“It’s been very exciting for me and my family,” Ward said. “I think it’s one more box checked, but there’s many more boxes to be checked here in the future. So it’s just a stepping stone right now, but it was definitely exciting.”
Through seven games with the Reign, Ward hasn’t looked out of place. He’s playing on Ontario’s top line with T.J. Tynan and Martin Frk, two guys who have had success at the AHL level. Not only is he playing on that line, but he’s making an impact. Ward has already picked up five assists, including three in his second professional game (March 22).
So far the biggest adjustment to the pro game has been getting a feel for the day-to-day lifestyle. Especially being just three weeks removed from only playing on Fridays and Saturdays at the college level. Ward joked he’s been a little bit more sore than usual lately, but he wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I’m playing with two of the top players in the league right now, so that’s making it easier on me,” Ward said. “I’ve just gotten lots of help from the rest of the guys in the room and the coaching staff, and everybody here has made it as easy as possible for me.
“It’s been an adjustment, but it’s fun playing three or four times a week. And at the end of the day, I’m enjoying it so far.”
