Laura Taylor, a goaltender for the UBC women’s hockey team, has passed away.
Taylor, a 33 year-old student in the Faculty of Medicine, joined the team as part of the Thunderbird’s 2015/2016 recruiting class, and with her teammates, took the Canada West championship and second place at the CIS national championships. Following in the footsteps of many family members — her grandfather, father and older sister — Taylor hoped to be a doctor.
The Kelowna native transferred to UBC from the University of Saskatchewan, where she played for the Huskies in the CIS between 2000 and 2002. According to her obituary, Taylor played several sports at a competitive level, like soccer and ringette, coached younger players in the communities that she lived in and enjoyed outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking and skiing.
In a statement released by UBC Athletics and Recreation, head coach of the women’s ice hockey team Graham Thomas described her as “a joy to all those around her, inspiring them with her dedication and commitment to her academics, and athletics.”
Taylor was graduating this year and passed away days away from her 34th birthday.
Condolences can be left for her family here.