Chris Taylor is a former professional ice hockey player who had a successful career spanning over a decade. He was born on February 6, 1972, in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Taylor started playing hockey at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the sport. He played for the Stratford Cullitons in the Ontario Junior Hockey League before moving on to play for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League.
Taylor was known for his versatility on the ice, playing both forward and defense positions. He was a skilled player with excellent stickhandling abilities and a strong work ethic. Taylor was also known for his leadership qualities, serving as captain for several teams throughout his career.
In 1990, Taylor was drafted by the New York Islanders in the 10th round of the NHL Entry Draft. He spent the next few years playing in the minor leagues, including stints with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and the Capital District Islanders. In 1994, Taylor made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres, where he played for the next five seasons.
During his time with the Sabres, Taylor established himself as a reliable player, contributing both offensively and defensively. He was a key player on the penalty kill and was known for his ability to win faceoffs. In 1999, Taylor signed with the Boston Bruins, where he played for one season before being traded to the New York Islanders.
Taylor spent the next few years playing in the minor leagues, including stints with the Lowell Lock Monsters and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 2003, he signed with the Frankfurt Lions of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany, where he played for one season before retiring from professional hockey.
After retiring from playing, Taylor went on to become a coach. He served as an assistant coach for the Rochester Americans, the Buffalo Sabres' AHL affiliate, before being promoted to head coach in 2019. Taylor has also served as an assistant coach for the United States men's national ice hockey team.
Throughout his career, Taylor was known for his dedication to the sport and his team-first mentality. He was a respected player and leader both on and off the ice, and his contributions to the game of hockey have not gone unnoticed.
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