The Los Angeles Kings have assigned forward Taylor Ward to the Ontario Reign, it was announced Friday. 

A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Ward made his NHL debut Thursday against the Calgary Flames, scoring his first career goal in the process. Prior to his debut, Ward had spent the entire season with the Reign, scoring 12 goals and adding 14 assists for 26 points in 65 games. 

Since turning pro at the end of the 2021-22 season, Ward has played in 223 career AHL regular season games, collecting 35 goals and 59 assists for 94 points. Before his venture into pro hockey, Ward spent four years in the NCAA at the University of Nebraska Omaha. 

With Ward being assigned to the Reign, he will play a big part in their playoff run. Having put up seven points in eight playoff games in 2023-24, Ward proved he shows up when it matters most and he will look to keep that going again this year as his team chases the Calder Cup.