Hockey Fights Cancer Hits Home for the Pontiacs

Hockey Fights Cancer Month hits close to home for the Bonnyville Pontiacs this year. Assistant Coach Chad Taylor, known around the rink as C3, is in the middle of his own fight while still coaching both the Junior A Pontiacs and the U13 AAA Yaks. His story is one of early detection, resilience, and the power of community.

A Summer That Took a Hard Turn

Taylor’s off-season was supposed to be the usual mix of planning, training, and recharging. Instead, it turned into a life-changing chapter.

Near the end of last season, he noticed a lump on his neck — “just a bump,” he thought — and planned to let it pass. But when he returned home to Manitoba, he decided to get it checked. That decision changed everything.

“I ended up being diagnosed in May with a form of throat cancer,” he said. “It definitely put a dent in what my summer plans were going to be.”

By August, Taylor was in surgery. Doctors performed a full neck dissection, removing the tumour along with part of his tongue, tonsils, and lymph nodes.

“It wasn’t fun, but I’m glad we caught it early before it spread. Early detection made a huge difference.”

Radiation, Chemo, and a Ridiculous Driving Schedule

Taylor is now deep into his treatment phase — thirty rounds of radiation, five days a week, along with weekly chemotherapy to boost its impact. Much of that happens in Edmonton.

But he still coaches in Bonnyville.

“It’s a lot of driving, a lot of back and forth. But the doctors say staying active is good for me. I feel good, my energy is still really good, so I’m hoping it stays that way.”

His radiation is scheduled to finish on December 19. His goal?

“To go home at Christmas, ring the bell with the family, and close this chapter.”

A Community Rallying Around C3

Taylor is the first to admit he’s a positive guy. But even the most optimistic people need support, and he hasn’t had to look far.

Support has come from every direction: the Pontiacs organisation, the U13 Yaks, his hometown in Manitoba, and families connected to the club. Dylan O’Connor’s parents even opened their Edmonton home to him so he had a place to stay during treatment.

“People like that have made this battle so much easier,” he said. “Coach Mercier, C2, Neil, Nelly, everyone checks in. The support has been unbelievable.”

Back home in Bonnyville, his partner Jen has been taking on everything else life throws their way.

“She’s my rock,” he said.

Hockey as an Escape

Despite the physical toll of treatment, Taylor says being behind the bench has helped him feel normal.

“I love coaching. Whether it’s juniors or U13s, developing players is what I love to do. It’s a nice escape from the cancer I deal with every day.”

On the ice, both of his teams are finding their footing.
The Pontiacs are trending upward and starting to settle into identity and buy-in.
The U13 Yaks are young this year, but the development curve is sharp.

“They’ve come a long way. Wins and losses aren’t everything at that age. I’m excited about where they’re heading.”

The Message: Don’t Ignore What Feels Off

Taylor doesn’t shy away from the personal part of this story. Not everyone acts on early signs, and he wants his experience to push others to pay attention.

“Especially as men, we tend to just grit through things or brush them off,” he said. “I was lucky my mom told me to get it looked at. That could have saved me.”

His story reinforces the core message of Hockey Fights Cancer Month: early detection matters, support matters, and no one fights alone.

Still Coaching. Still Battling. Still Smiling.

For C3, the fight continues with 21 radiation sessions and four chemotherapy treatments still ahead. But he feels strong, he feels supported, and he feels ready to finish it.

“It’s been a ride,” he said, “but I’m grateful. I feel good, and I’ve got a lot of people in my corner.”

One thing is clear: Bonnyville isn’t just cheering for one of its coaches. It’s standing with him.

And C3 is showing everyone exactly what fighting back looks like.

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