Van Taylor will return to Nipawin as the new assistant coach. (Image Credit: Richard Petersen/Nipawin Hawks)

By Clark Stork

Behind the Bench

P.A.’s Taylor excited for new role in Nipawin

Aug 4, 2026 | 10:03 AM

The Nipawin Hawks have announced Van Taylor will take on the role of assistant coach on a full time basis after injuries forced the then 19-year-old to hang up his skates.

After suffering an injury just six games into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season last year, the Prince Albert native was unable to play and began coaching the team under both Head Coach Tad Kozun and Assistant Coach Derek Hutton.

With Hutton returning home to Sherwood Park after two years in Nipawin, Taylor will take over as his replacement.

“I am definitely excited; I am excited Tad reached out and gave me the opportunity,” Taylor said. “They are going to be a top team in the league this year and a team that’s willing to do anything to win a championship this year. I am really looking forward to it.”

The Hawks are coming off a fourth place finish and first round loss in the playoffs to Weyburn. With 20-year-old goaltender Gage Roberts returning, as well as Mason Karakochuk and others, Taylor expects his former teammates to take the next step.

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He admits separating himself from players that are close friends after playing two years together will be the hardest aspect of the job, but he is ready to move onto a new chapter.

“Obviously it will be different not hanging out with the guys on my day off. In the long run I think it will be worth it. I wanted to continue to stay in the game and if coaching is what I am doing.”

He will return to Nipawin in mid-August and begin preparing for his first full season behind the bench as Kozun returns to start his fourth full season.

Prior to moving to Nipawin, Taylor played U18 AAA for his hometown Prince Albert Mintos, which he captained during the 2023-24 season. Across three seasons, he netted 67 points (22G-45A) in 122 career games.

The Hawks open the season Sept. 18 in Melfort.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

by Clark Stork

P.A.’s Taylor excited for new role in Nipawin

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