Cam Ward
Ward in 2011
Born (1984-02-29) February 29, 1984
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position Goaltender
Caught Left
Played for Carolina Hurricanes
Chicago Blackhawks
National team  Canada
NHL Draft 25th overall, 2002
Carolina Hurricanes
Playing career 2004–2019

Cameron Kenneth Ward (born February 29, 1984) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played the majority of his 15-year professional career for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Chicago Blackhawks during his final season before signing a one-day contract to officially retire as a Hurricane in 2019.[1]

Ward was born in Saskatoon, growing up there and in Sherwood Park, Alberta. During his three-year junior career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Red Deer Rebels, he was selected 25th overall by the Hurricanes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. After a season with the Hurricanes' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lowell Lock Monsters, he won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs. He became the first starting goaltender to win the Stanley Cup as a rookie since Patrick Roy in 1986.[2]

Playing career

Early career

Ward spent his junior career with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL). After appearing in one game for the Rebels in 2000–01, Ward played three full seasons with the team from 2001–2004, leading them to the WHL finals twice. Ward was drafted 25th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Upon graduating from the WHL, Ward signed a multi-year, entry-level contract with the Hurricanes on May 13, 2004. Due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, he was assigned to Carolina's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lowell Lock Monsters, for the season.

Carolina Hurricanes

Joining the Hurricanes for the 2005–06 NHL season, Ward largely served in a backup role to Swiss goalie Martin Gerber during the regular season. He made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005, replacing Gerber after the starter injured his hamstring. He saved 10 of 11 shots in the third period, as the Hurricanes lost 5–2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.[3] He made his first NHL start the following game two days later in the club's home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ward turned aside Mario Lemieux, Žigmund Pálffy and Sidney Crosby in a shootout, as the Hurricanes won 3–2.[4] Ward completed his NHL rookie season with 14 wins and 8 losses, along with a 3.68 goals against average.

Ward with the Hurricanes during the 2013–14 NHL season

In the opening round of the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Hurricanes faced a two-win deficit against the Montreal Canadiens. With Gerber struggling in the series, Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette turned to Ward. The goaltending switch prompted Carolina to a series comeback, advancing to the second round against the New Jersey Devils, where he played against his personal hero, Martin Brodeur.[5] After eliminating the Devils, the Hurricanes defeated the Buffalo Sabres in seven games. Facing the Edmonton Oilers in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, he helped the Hurricanes win the franchise's first Stanley Cup. In doing so, he became the first rookie goaltender to lead his team to the Stanley Cup as a starter since Patrick Roy in 1986.[2] Against Edmonton, he also became the first rookie goaltender to both play and record a shutout in the Finals since Roy. He tied the rookie record for wins in the playoffs (15), previously held by Roy and Ron Hextall, and became the first rookie goalie to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Hextall in 1987.[6]

After his heroics in the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ward became the Hurricanes starting goaltender for the 2006–07 season. He recorded season stats of 30–21–6 and 37–25–5 in the 2006–07 and 2007–08 campaigns, respectively. The Hurricanes would miss the playoffs both years. The Hurricanes, however, would reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2008–09 season before bowing out to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Ward went 8–10 with a 2.67 GAA during the playoffs.

Ward and the Hurricanes struggled to begin the 2009–10 season, as Ward went 2–9–3 to start the campaign. On November 8, 2009, in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ward was injured when he was cut on the leg by the skate of opposing forward Rick Nash.[7] As Ward was helped into the dressing room, he left a trail of blood on the ice.[7] After returning from his injury, Ward finished the season with an 18–23–5 record, a 2.69 GAA and .916 save percentage as the Hurricanes failed to qualify for the post-season.

Ward was selected to participate in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, along with teammates Eric Staal, Jamie McBain, and Jeff Skinner.[8] Ward was the first overall pick in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game Fantasy Draft, selected by All-Star Game captain, Eric Staal.[8]

Ward was credited with an empty-net goal against the New Jersey Devils on December 26, 2011, when a misplaced pass from Ilya Kovalchuk found its way into the empty goal after a rebound from Ward. He is the tenth goalie in NHL history to do this.[9]

Ward recorded his 500th game with the Carolina Hurricanes on February 27, 2015.[10]

During the offseason, Ward re-signed with the Hurricanes to a two-year, $6.6 million contract on June 16, 2016.[11]

On March 22, 2018, during a game against the Arizona Coyotes, the puck got stuck in his skate without his knowledge. His skates crossed the goal line when he went back into the net, ultimately resulting in an own goal.[12] Despite this, the Hurricanes ended up winning that game 6–5.[13]

Chicago Blackhawks

On July 1, 2018, Ward signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.[14] He went 16–12–4 sporting a career worst 3.67 GAA, 897SV% in 33 appearances in the 2018–19 season.

Retirement

On August 28, 2019, Ward signed a one-day contract with the Hurricanes and subsequently retired from professional hockey. He retired as the Hurricanes' franchise leaders in wins (318) and shutouts (27).[15]

International play


Ward at the 2008 World Championships
Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2007 Moscow
Silver medal – second place 2008 Halifax/Quebec City

Ward's performance in his NHL rookie season earned him consideration on a list of 81 candidates to play for Team Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics.[16] He was one of nine goalies selected; he was not, however, named to the Canadian squad. Additionally, Ward was named a part of the summer camp roster for Team Canada in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics, but did not make the final roster cut.[17]

Ward was a member of the Canadian team that won gold at the 2007 IIHF World Championship in a 4–2 win against Finland in Moscow, as well as a member of the team that won silver at the 2008 IIHF World Championship in a 5–4 loss to Russia.

Personal life

Born in St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon, Ward is the second child of Ken and Laurel Ward. He grew up in the Lakeridge neighbourhood of Saskatoon and the Edmonton suburb of Sherwood Park, Alberta, spending his adolescent years in the latter.[18][19]

Ward is a fan of his native province's team the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[20] On March 25, 2007, Ward shaved his head for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.[21]

Ward and his wife Cody have a son and a daughter.[22]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L OTL MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2000–01 Red Deer Rebels WHL 1 1 0 0 60 0 1 0.00 1.000 — — — — — — — —
2001–02 Red Deer Rebels WHL 46 30 11 4 2694 102 1 2.27 .911 23 14 9 1502 53 2 2.11 .920
2002–03 Red Deer Rebels WHL 57 40 13 3 3368 118 5 2.10 .920 23 14 9 1407 49 3 2.08 .919
2003–04 Red Deer Rebels WHL 56 31 16 8 3338 114 4 2.05 .926 19 10 9 1200 37 3 1.85 .945
2004–05 Lowell Lock Monsters AHL 50 27 17 3 2829 94 6 1.99 .937 11 5 6 664 28 2 2.53 .918
2005–06 Lowell Lock Monsters AHL 2 0 2 0 118 5 0 2.54 .915 — — — — — — — —
2005–06 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 28 14 8 2 1484 91 0 3.68 .882 23 15 8 1320 47 2 2.14 .920
2006–07 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 60 30 21 6 3422 167 2 2.93 .897 — — — — — — — —
2007–08 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 69 37 25 5 3930 180 4 2.75 .904 — — — — — — — —
2008–09 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 68 39 23 5 3928 160 6 2.44 .916 18 8 10 1101 49 2 2.67 .915
2009–10 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 47 18 23 5 2651 119 0 2.69 .916 — — — — — — — —
2010–11 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 74 37 26 10 4318 184 4 2.56 .923 — — — — — — — —
2011–12 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 68 30 23 13 3988 182 5 2.74 .915 — — — — — — — —
2012–13 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 17 9 6 1 929 44 0 2.84 .908 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 30 10 12 6 1645 84 0 3.06 .898 — — — — — — — —
2013–14 Charlotte Checkers AHL 2 1 1 0 119 4 0 2.02 .937 — — — — — — — —
2014–15 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 51 22 24 5 3026 121 1 2.40 .910 — — — — — — — —
2015–16 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 52 23 17 10 3039 122 1 2.41 .909 — — — — — — — —
2016–17 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 61 26 22 12 3618 162 2 2.69 .905 — — — — — — — —
2017–18 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 43 23 14 4 2460 112 2 2.73 .906 — — — — — — — —
2018–19 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 33 16 12 4 1883 115 0 3.67 .897 — — — — — — — —
NHL totals 701 334 256 88 40,319 1,843 27 2.74 .908 41 23 18 2,421 96 4 2.38 .917

International

Year Team Event Result GP W L T/OTL MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2007 Canada WC 1st place, gold medalist(s) 5 5 0 0 300 11 0 2.20 .915
2008 Canada WC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 5 4 1 0 302 13 0 2.58 .900
2012 Canada WC 5th 6 4 2 0 360 17 0 2.83 .906
Senior totals 16 13 3 0 964 41 0 2.55 .907

Awards and achievements

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ward, 35, retires with Hurricanes". The Sports Network. August 28, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Jones, Shane (August 23, 2006). "Warm welcome home for Ward". Archived from the original on April 14, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2006.
  3. ↑ Carolina Hurricanes at Tampa Bay Lightning scoresheet. Retrieved 2006-08-23
  4. ↑ "Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes game recap". October 7, 2005. Archived from the original on July 9, 2008. Retrieved August 23, 2006.
  5. ↑ "Hurricanes down Devils, will face Sabres in Eastern finals". Associated Press. May 14, 2006. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved August 26, 2006.
  6. ↑ "Ward wins Conn Smythe Trophy". The Canadian Press. August 19, 2006. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2006.
  7. 1 2 "HURRICANES G WARD TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER BEING CUT IN LEG BY SKATE". thehockeynews.ca. November 8, 2009. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  8. 1 2 "WARD SELECTED FIRST OVERALL AT ALL-STAR PLAYER FANTASY DRAFT". nhlpa.com. January 29, 2011. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  9. ↑ "New Jersey Devils - Carolina Hurricanes - December 26th, 2011". Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  10. ↑ Smith, Michael (February 24, 2015). "A Night of Milestones". National Hockey League. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  11. ↑ Preston, Ken (June 16, 2016). "Canes Sign Cam Ward to Two-Year Extension". National Hockey League. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  12. ↑ Billeck, Scott (March 22, 2018). "Cam Ward delivers an all-time own goal (video)". nhl.nbcsports.com. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  13. ↑ Wyshynski, Greg (March 22, 2018). "Cam Ward accidentally scores on himself after dragging puck stuck in equipment into net". ESPN. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  14. ↑ "THREE THINGS: Get to know Cam Ward". Chicago Blackhawks. July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Ward Signs One-Day Contract, Retires From NHL". Carolina Hurricanes. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Rookies, vets on Team Canada's long Olympic list". CBC News. October 19, 2005. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Canadian Olympic Men's Hockey's Orientation Camp Roster". thestar.com. August 24, 2009. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  18. ↑ Wolfe, Cory (June 24, 2006). "Dream weaver: Cam Ward's dreams of raising Stanley Cup took root in Saskatoon". Archived from the original on May 10, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2006.
  19. ↑ "Ward is Bowled Over by the Cup". July 2006. Archived from the original on September 5, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  20. ↑ Huntington, Jonathan (June 26, 2006). "Stadium name has fans angry: Riders faithful just don't like 'Mosaic Stadium'". Retrieved January 9, 2007.
  21. ↑ "Hockey Star Glad to be Bald". March 29, 2007. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  22. ↑ "CAM WARD". gocheckers.com. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cam Ward player profile at TSN.ca
  24. ↑ Decock, Luke (February 16, 2023). "Canes Hall of Fame honor buffs rough edges off Cam Ward's legacy, leaving the good stuff". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
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