Prince Albert's Van Taylor is now behind the bench for the Nipawin Hawks after sustaining a season-ending injury just six games in. (Image Credit: Clark Stork)

By Logan Lehmann

Same team, new role

Former Mintos captain behind bench as coach for Nipawin Hawks following injuries

Mar 27, 2026 | 7:00 AM

A Prince Albert hockey player is honing in on his coaching skills for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) playoffs. 

Although Van Taylor should be suiting up for the Nipawin Hawks in their first-round matchup against the Weyburn Red Wings, he’s instead standing on the bench after an injury early in the season forced him to hang up the skates for the rest of the year. 

“At the end of the day, if doctors are recommending not to play, then that’s probably the best decision,” said Taylor in an interview with Hawks play-by-play commentator Clark Stork.  

“I’d love to just go out and play a game. I don’t even get to practice, shoot on goalies anymore. It would be fun to get in a game, play some high-intensity hockey, shoot on goalies, score. That’s something I definitely miss.”

Taylor played just six games for Nipawin this year before suffering his season-ending injury, scoring once while adding three assists. He missed some time last year too, playing 50 games and posting 10 points (5G-5A).    

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Prior to joining the Hawks, Taylor spent three seasons playing for his hometown Prince Albert Mintos in U18 AAA. There, he appeared in 113 games while scoring 20 goals and adding another 41 assists, while captaining the team during the 2023-24 season. 

Van Taylor sported the ‘C’ for the Mintos prior to joining the Nipawin Hawks. Here, he’s seen skating with the puck during a 6-3 loss to the Estevan Bears at the Art Hauser Centre on Jan. 28, 2024. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

The 19-year-old said it was an awesome experience to represent and lead his hometown team at one of the highest levels of hockey in the province. 

“It was a good opportunity at leading the boys to – I mean, the final thing is the Telus Cup. We didn’t get that opportunity. I also struggled with injuries back then, but it was a great opportunity to wear the ‘C’ for the Mintos – they’re a great club.” 

Now in the early stages of his coaching career, Taylor said he embarked on the journey a little earlier than he thought. 

“I’ve always thought about coaching, but not at 19 years old. [It’s] definitely tough, but I thank Tad [Kozun] and Derek [Hutton] for giving me the opportunity to stay in Nipawin and be behind the bench and help support the boys and help, I guess, win the championship.” 

“It’s definitely different,” he continued. “But I mean, with getting injured, it’s way better than sitting in the stands for 50-plus games. You feel more into it on the bench, more engaged. I like it.” 

Speaking to the future of his hockey career, Taylor explained that it’s up in the air. 

“I’m not really sure yet. Maybe next year if I’m not playing hockey, I’ll be going to school in Saskatoon or working or who knows, maybe stick around here and coach, see what Tad has to say. Who knows, I don’t know yet.” 

The Hawks and Red Wings are tied at two in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series, with things shifting to Nipawin for Game 5 on Saturday night at the Centennial Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. 

Game 6 is set for Monday night in Weyburn and, if necessary, a deciding Game 7 will be played on April 1 in Nipawin.  

A full SJHL playoff bracket and schedule can be found by clicking here. 

— 

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com