Primeau, Ward Molded Through NHL Family Ties

Being the son of a professional athlete can create high expectations, but for Omaha hockey juniors Chayse Primeau and Taylor Ward, they would tell you their childhood was as normal as anybody’s. 

Primeau is the son of former NHL veteran Keith Primeau who played in 909 NHL games with Detroit, Hartford, Carolina and Philadelphia. He also has a brother, Cayden, who is a goaltender for the Montreal Canadians. For the Charlotte, N.C., native, he never felt pressured to even play the game but rather, it came naturally. 

“He never really forced me into it,” said Primeau. “All of my school friends played hockey so I was always around it. For that, I was fortunate that all of my school friends were also all of my hockey buddies too.”

As for Ward, he is the son of Dixon Ward – a former NHL veteran who played with Vancouver, Los Angeles, Toronto, Buffalo, Boston and the New York Rangers. Ward’s love of hockey also grew gradually to where it became a passion. 

“I don’t remember making a specific choice,” said Ward. “I used to skate all day long at the rink when I was very young, but I’ve always loved it. I was never really pressured into doing it though. It was just something I always loved. I played baseball and golf as well.” 

Both NHL fathers made sure to expose their children to all sports and grow as an athlete. They also knew the time commitment and sacrifice it took to endure a grueling hockey schedule while raising a family during their professional playing careers. 

“I know the benefit of having a spouse that understood the commitment it took to play at the highest level was needed along with the time commitment of staying at the top of your profession,” said Keith Primeau. “That allowed me to feel comfortable to play, and I certainly owe a lot of credit to my wife with the work she did with the kids when they were very young.” 

Added Dixon: “It’s never easy. Obviously it’s a balancing act for sure, but that’s what the NHL schedule and pro hockey was all about though. It’s doing what you have to do and thankfully having a support system around you helps with that. It’s always tough but thankfully, you have time in the summers.” 

Both the hard work and time commitment Keith Primeau and Dixon Ward endured in their competitive days helped instill that same ethic in both of their sons. As the children grew older and were looking at the next phase in their life, both fathers left it up to their sons on where to attend school. 

In Taylor’s situation, his father, despite being a hall of famer at North Dakota, wanted him to carve his own path at a place that felt at home and was a fit for the next chapter of his life. For Chayse, he went looking for a hockey-focused atmosphere with great facilities and a location where the staff felt like family. Both found those wishes at Omaha. 

This past winter, the duo concluded their sophomore seasons where they were both members of the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team and have seen a multitude of success along the way. During the first two years of their collegiate careers, both families have been able to get together multiple times and get some quality family time. But when reflecting on their favorite memories with their dads, both are non-hockey related. 

“My old man and I really love golf,” said Ward. “We have had some great memories of just sitting on the couch watching major tournaments on Sunday and going on golfing trips. I have some great hockey memories with my dad but also a ton of non-hockey related ones.”

“Mine isn’t even necessarily hockey-related, but it’s sports related,” added Primeau. “When we were leaving the rink, my dad and I were driving home and listening to the Toronto Blue Jays game when Jose Bautista hit the go-ahead home run against the Rangers in the playoffs a few years back. I laugh about it now, but we had to worry about not getting into an accident because we were celebrating so hard. It’s honestly my favorite memory with my dad.” 

As Primeau and Ward continue to develop their hockey careers, both fathers have given them pieces of advice to use not only on the ice but in everyday life as well. Keith Primeau and Dixon Ward believe their son’s relationships built through the Maverick program will help them reach that pinnacle of success. 

“We’ve told him to enjoy doing what you love to do and to be determined,” said Keith. “Appreciate the opportunities that you’re given and take advantage of them the best you can. Chayse is the type of guy who is a ‘glue guy’. He’s team-first and loves being around the rink and his teammates. He wasn’t always the forefront or outspoken guy. He used to be quiet but as he’s become more of a mature player and student-athlete, he’s really come out of his shell and taken on that responsibility.”

Added Dixon: “I’m in the development business and deal with hundreds of young players per year. It’s all about accountability and putting the work in to give yourself a chance to succeed. You can’t be afraid to fail but also learn from those failures to achieve success. As he’s grown and matured, he’s developing those qualities. His intelligence and skill set will help him succeed, and I know he’s putting in a ton of work during a very difficult time with the uncertainty that surrounds us all.  

“I hope the people of Omaha realize how great of a program they have there and how awesome the coaching staff is there. As a guy who’s played for a lot of coaches in his life, I couldn’t be more impressed with the people they have there. It really shows in the way Taylor has developed so far up to this point.”