An ice making system and method that includes an ice formation tray, an ejector, and an ejector shaft is disclosed herein. The ice formation tray has a first side and a second side. The ejector includes a unitary structure and an insert, with the unitary structure encompassing the insert on at least four sides. The ejector shaft spans between the first side and the second side of the ice formation tray, with the ejector shaft passing through a bore in the insert of the ejector.