Photo Credit – Chad Goddard:
Taylor enjoys having the opportunity to make a difference in the community and inspire others when he can, whether that’s through hockey, education or supporting a local cause. Throughout his time in Brooks, it?s been easy to understand that the Brooks Bandits team takes pride in the community that supports them so they make sure to give back whenever possible.
?I really enjoy visiting schools and interacting, mentoring and reading with the kids and students because I believe it?s great to play sports but at the end of the day education is just as important as hockey, soccer etc. That’s why I have supported the Tilley School Hockey Academy. They strive to create, not just hockey skills, but also life and leadership skills so that students can practice sportsmanship and citizenship all while getting better at academics and athletics. Growing up I was in a very similar academy within my school and it made me realize how joining athletics and academics together is really beneficial for a student athlete to grow both mentally and physically.?
Taylor has been involved in the activities held at schools such as the Brooks preschool book fair, where he helped the teachers working the book fair. He also read, coloured and played with the kids. Taylor says, ?myself and a few teammates took a trip to Gem School to answer some questions, hang with the kids and then joined them on the outdoor rink to help them skate and have some fun.? He has also made visits to the Brooks Composite High School, Holy Family Academy, Brooks Junior High and others.
?Although I support many schools within Brooks, I also volunteer for the Salvation Army during the holidays for their kettle campaign where proceeds go to those who are not as fortunate as some of us. I have also supported BAPS with my teammates and the Bandits which is a shelter for animals that is a no-kill facility that works with other shelter and rescue protection programs to find homes for these pets.?
Each AJHL team will nominate one player who has shown exemplary commitment to community service to be recognized as an AJHL RBC Community Ambassador – all 16 athletes will make up the 2019-20 AJHL RBC Community Ambassador Team! At the conclusion of the regular season, one AJHL RBC Community Ambassador will be selected as the recipient of the RBC Community Award. A donation will be made to the Ambassador?s local charity from RBC and a Scholarship will be provided to the player from the AJHL to be used for post-secondary education.