Chad Taylor named head coach of U13 AAA Yaks program

Chad Taylor hopes to bring “all gas, no breaks” to new Yaks AAA. Image credit: U18 AAA Yellowhead/Ice Exposure. 

The first head coach in the history of the new U13 AAA Yaks program was announced by the Pontiacs organization on Thursday.

Chad Taylor will be at the helm of the inaugural season of the new development program, which is a partnership between Bonnyville Minor Hockey Association and the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs organizations.

Hockey Alberta announced the pilot project of U13 AAA back in May.

Last year, Taylor scouted for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Neepawa Titans while being the bench boss of the U18 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs. He also has experience as a head coach with the U15 AAA Yellowhead program.

“I believe the Yaks is an excellent fit for me as a new team and program in the community,” said Chad Taylor in a press release. “It offers an exciting opportunity to build something from the ground up and be the first coach of this program.”

While coordinating the development of the new program, Taylor will also be a second assistant coach of the Jr. A Pontiacs.

This, along with this experience at higher levels of AAA hockey, made him a valued fit in associate general manager Neil Langridge’s eyes.

“Chad will be a welcome addition to the Pontiacs and Yaks Family, as well as our community,” said Neil Langridge. “Parents will want to have their young athletes involved in this program now more then ever and the development and competition will be second to none for all those involved.”

Partnering with Lakeland Catholic School Division and Dr. Brosseau School, players will be practicing during the school day in the morning before 10:00AM and not during core curriculum classes.

More information with frequently asked questions can be found here.