By Warren Kozireski —
The first thing that jumps out about Clarkson University senior defenseman Kaelan Taylor’s biography on the athletic website not seen among many hockey players is that, in his spare time he enjoys surfing.
The second is that the Golden Knights assistant captain, though born in California, is the third generation from his family to attend Clarkson.
“My dad’s whole side of the family is from here,” Taylor said after the Adirondack Winter Invitational held in Lake Placid. “My dad went to Clarkson back in the 1980’s. I’m in California so everyone is a little surprised that I ended up here, but I’ve been coming here my whole life.
“I get to see the family at Thanksgiving and Christmas; it’s pretty nice.”
Dad, Patrick, is the second generation, but his mom (Julia) grew up in the Saranac Lake region and her father, Robert F. Wrench graduated from Clarkson in 1950. His parents met in Elmira.
Taylor had, by his estimates that 15 or 20 family members attended the Friday night game and had fewer, but they were still present on Saturday.
“Cousins, aunts, uncles, they all showed up. Pretty much every game I go to someone is going to be at it—it’s awesome to have them here. The Munn’s and Taylor’s are here.”
The Golden Knights won the consolation game of the tournament in overtime against UMass, but have disappointed some with a 9-6-1 start.
“We know we’re a really good team and we’ve kind of been waiting for a game to show it.”
And back to that third generation.
“When I got the opportunity to go to Clarkson, I knew this would be a special thing. Nothing like (family pressure); I was really excited for the opportunity.”
And pressure to make it four generations?
“I’m going to get some pressure on them…keep it going.”
(Photos provided by Clarkson University Men’s Hockey Program)
