New Era Begins for Warrior Men?s Hockey

Waterloo, Ontario
June 6, 2003

The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Karl Taylor as the new Head Coach of the Men's Hockey Program and Interuniversity Sport Coordinator at the University of Waterloo.

The Department of Athletics would firstly like to thank former Head Coach Dave Cressman for his commitment and dedication to the Warrior hockey program for the past 12 years. Dave served as assistant to Don McKee for seven seasons prior to becoming Head Coach in 1998-1999. This same year, Dave was named University of Waterloo Imprint Coach of the Year. Dave brought a wealth of hockey knowledge to the Warriors being drafted by the Minnesota North Stars and playing professionally for four years. Dave will continue to teach as he will be entering his 25th year of teaching at a local high school in Kitchener.

"We are indebted to Dave's contribution for the past 12 years to the hockey program here at Waterloo," commented Athletic Director Judy McCrae. "Dave has always put student-athletes first, and, his hockey knowledge, background and passion for the game is second to none. Dave was able to successfully continue the rich hockey tradition here at UW during his tenure and we thank him for all his hard work and contributions."

All current players, alumni and athletics staff would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for 12 great years of coaching. We wish Dave the best in all his future endeavours.

The Department of Athletics is excited the Warrior Hockey program will now be supported by a full-time hockey coach. Karl Taylor brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to this new position.

Karl is a former Junior A player in the OHL with Windsor, London and North Bay. Karl played five seasons with the University of New Brunswick. Karl was one of captains of the Varsity Reds for 3 seasons. In 1995 Karl received the Mark Jeffrey Memorial Award for leadership, dedication and commitment to the team. Karl also received the Alumni Merit Award for academic and athletics excellence at UNB. His playing career was highlighted by being honoured with the Athletics Ring of Distinction, awarded to athletic excellence over a five year university career. Karl received his Bachelor of Physical Education in 1995.

Karl spent the last three years at Red Deer College in Alberta as Head Coach of their men?s hockey program. Prior to Red Deer, Karl gained valuable coaching experience with the UNB Varsity Reds (Asst. Coach 1997-1999), and Fredericton Canadians of the AHL. Karl has achieved his Level 4 coaching diploma, Advanced 1 diploma, and spent one year with Canadian Men?s National team as apprentice coach in the National Coaching Institute Program.

"We are excited that we are supported by a full-time position which will improve the competitive level of the men?s hockey program. With all of Karl's background, we are confident he will continue the traditions of Warrior Hockey. Karl is a tremendous fit for intercollegiate hockey and the University of Waterloo," added Judy McCrae, Athletics Director.

Karl is originally from North Bay, Ontario and will be moving to Waterloo with his wife Bev. Karl is excited about this new coaching opportunity. "The University of Waterloo has a history steeped in tradition and excellence. I am excited at the opportunity to help the hockey program progress forward and to carry the commitment to excellence into the future."

Karl is expected to arrive in Waterloo on June 22. Karl can be reached, at this time, at the Warrior Hockey office at 519-888-4567 ext. 2635 or by email at kttaylor@uwaterloo.ca.