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AHL Utica Comets

Comet Tales: Meet Taylor Anderson

February 26, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release


If you pass The AUD during the early morning and see lights on, anytime from 6:30am forward - chances are Taylor Anderson has already begun his work day.

As the Comets' assistant equipment manager, Anderson's hours are anything but set or typical. When fans have long exited The AUD and the post-game radio show is complete, Anderson, and equipment manager John Forget still have a couple hours of assignments ahead. Plus, when players and staff are still sleeping off the previous night's game, Anderson is getting the ball rolling for what will hopefully be a seamless day of taking care of any piece of equipment that is in use.

Last season, his first in professional hockey, Anderson held the same equipment position with tonight's opponent, the San Antonio Rampage. 1,800 miles to the south of the Mohawk Valley, Anderson and his colleagues experienced quite a contrast in climate. "It wouldn't be snowing there (San Antonio), but it would be in the 40""s and 50""s now," says Anderson, a former goalie for the Canisius College Golden Griffins.

Although the Comets have played the Rampage earlier this season on the road, when their silver and black uniforms hit the ice on Wednesday, fond memories are sure to be triggered. Sounding humble and appreciative for the break made possible by Rampage equipment manager Steve Passineau last season, Anderson tells of a smooth transition from Canisius to Texas.

"They (Rampage) came in today," Anderson said on Monday of the Comets next opponent. " "I'll probably see Steve (Passineau) later."

Taylor Anderson

Four years strapping on the pads for the Golden Griffins in Buffalo (NY), then remaining with the program for another two years following graduation as its equipment manager, Western New York is Anderson's "adopted" home. While at Canisius, Anderson earned a Bachelors in communications studies and a Master's degree in sports administration.

"When I was an undergrad, and I was a junior, I had a good idea on how far I might go in hockey. That's when I knew education was the way to go," Anderson tells. "When the opportunity came up to be the team's equipment manager, I took it. That was a way to pay for my education (Master's degree)."

With his father in the military, which meant moving around often, for Anderson, the half dozen years settled in Buffalo are where his roots are. Taylor tells of buddies coming to visit with him when the Comets road schedule has had stops in Rochester and Cleveland (Lake Erie). Even when catching up with friends before or after Comets hockey, Taylor is focused on growing in his profession.

"Just as the college players are trying to get there (pros), I still have a lot to learn," Anderson explains. "The pros are a whole different ball game. Everyone likes their gear a certain way. There are the big sewing machines, and learning how to fix equipment, there's a lot to do."

So, what's a typical day for Anderson, who while suiting up for Canisius (2007-2009 seasons) was a teammate of Ottawa Senator Cory Conacher, in keeping the Comets well supplied? Sounding well regimented, Anderson is already ahead of schedule. Before leaving the Comets dressing room at night, he straightens things up.

After a morning workout, accompanied by Forget and team trainer Dustin Flynn, gear is readied for when the players arrive. There's a sense of a close unit between Anderson, Forget, and Flynn. They are are the oil that keeps the Comets engine finely tuned. "You never know what 25 players will need at practice. I straighten up things again, take care of any gear issues, and do laundry," Anderson states.

Anderson offers up additional chores performed by he and Forget. When game day rolls in, Forget sharpens the players skates. Combine all their other duties, Anderson estimates that by midnight, his schedule comes to a halt. But, it's what goes on inside 6:30 7:00am and midnight that keeps Anderson enthused with his position.

"The guys will take off their jerseys, and we'll wash them. We rotate two bags of laundry, so there's always an extra set that's clean. Socks and jerseys get set up, ready for the game," says Anderson, who was one of three goalies rotated by Canisius' coach Dave Smith.

On the road, doing laundry, cleaning rooms and fixing helmets, among other requests on his hockey "honey do list", Anderson manages to keep a personal life. Having met his fiance while both were in college, it's been a long distance romance at times. Originally from Syracuse, Anderson's fiance had at one time been teaching at a boarding school overseas. Wanting to return east, and knowing Forget from last season with San Antonio, when the announcement was made of Utica rejoining the AHL, Anderson jumped at the chance to be with the Comets.

As for differences and similarities between San Antonio and Utica, one aspect of the two AHL towns is obvious to Anderson. "Definitely, the crowds. In San Antonio, you have an arena that holds 20,000 people, and 6,000 fans the game. It looks empt. In Utica, The AUD is packed with die-hard fans. The whole city is into it (Comets hockey). Even the Fed-Ex delivery guy helps us out."

Behind the scenes, but not forgotten, Taylor Anderson remains in overdrive, in keeping up with the Comets.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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