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Cam Ward (ice hockey)

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Cam Ward
Ward in 2011
Born (1984-02-29) February 29, 1984 (age 40)
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
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 his final season for the Chicago Blackhawks before retiring in 2019.

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.[1]

Early life

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Ward was born on February 29, 1984, to parents Ken and Laurel Ward in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.[2] He was raised in a Christian family and was baptized in an outdoor lake at the age of eight.[3] Ward learned to skate in Regina and began playing with the Saskatoon Flyers' pre-novice team in 1990 at the age of six.[2] As a youth, he played all positions before eventually choosing to remain as a goaltender. He made this choice because he "liked the mentality" of being the last line of defence.[4] After his family moved to Sherwood Park, Alberta, Ward played minor hockey in Sherwood's Peewee A, Bantam AAA, and Midget AAA divisions.[5]

Playing career

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Early career

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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

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Once the lockout ended, Ward joined the Hurricanes for the 2005–06 NHL season and was expected to serve in a primarily backup role to veteran goaltender Martin Gerber. Ward unexpectedly made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005, after Gerber got injured mid-game. He saved 10 of 11 shots in the third period, as the Hurricanes lost 5–2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.[6][7] He made his first NHL start the following game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and stopped all three shots in the shootout for his first NHL win.[8] As Gerber remained injured, Ward became the Hurricanes starting goaltender and maintained a 3–1–0 record, a 2.05 goals against average, and a .932 save percentage. His efforts earned him a place on Team Canada's long list for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.[9] Once Gerber recovered from his injury, the Hurricanes began alternating between the two goaltenders.[10] However, Ward began to struggle through November and Gerber again took over as the Hurricanes starting goaltender.[11] By the start of December, Ward had only played in nine games and maintained a 3.67 goals against average.[12] After losing his next four games, Ward was re-assigned to the AHL on a conditioning stint on December 14.[13][14] Ward earned two stars over four days with Lowell, and stopped 54 of 59 total shots. He was called back to the NHL level on December 20 and participated in their practice the following day.[15] Ward made his first start for the Hurricanes in over a month on December 29 against the Ottawa Senators.[16] He slowly began to find success as the season continued and in January, helped the Hurricanes tie a franchise record for most consecutive home wins in a season.[17] While still splitting the starting role, Ward won his next five starts through the end of January and into early February. This gave him a 11-4–2 record and .341 goals against average.[18]

When the Hurricanes qualified for the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs, Gerber was named the starting goaltender for their first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens.[19] However, after losing Game 1 and allowing three goal in the first period of Game 2, head coach Peter Laviolette replaced him in net with Ward for the second period.[20] In his playoffs debut, Ward made 20 saves through 67 minutes as he helped the Hurricanes tie the game and push the Canadiens to double overtime.[21] Ward's efforts earned him his first playoff start in Game 3, where he made 27 saves for his first playoff win.[22] He won his next three starts to defeat the Canadiens and advance the Hurricanes to the second round. Upon winning Game 6, Ward became the fifth goaltender since 1968 to win the first four playoff starts of their career.[23] He continued his winning streak into the Eastern Conference semifinals and tied Tiny Thompson's league record with seven wins in seven consecutive starts.[24] During this streak, Ward was also credited with his first career playoff shutout.[25] However, he was unable to pass Thompson's record after being replaced with Gerber mid-way through Game 4.[26] When speaking of this decision, Laviolette said: "I pulled Cam Ward because our team was going down (the wrong) road...Instead of letting it go, I made a change to try to change the course of the game."[27] However, he returned as the starter for Game 5 and made 17 saves to eliminate the Devils and advance the Hurricanes to the Eastern Conference Finals.[28][29]

Ward with the Hurricanes in 2008.

Ward continued to maintain his role as the Hurricanes starter and played nearly every game of the Eastern Conference finals against the Buffalo Sabres.[30] Upon playing in Game 1 of the series, Ward and Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller became the first rookie goaltenders to play against each other in a conference championship game since 1981.[31] However, Ward struggled early on in the series and was replaced with Geber in Games 3 and 4.[32] Ward returned to the ice as a replacement for Gerber mid-way through Game 5[33] and was named the starter for Games 6 and 7. As the starter, he made 22 saves on 24 shots to help the Hurricanes defeat the Sabres and advance to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.[34] On June 7, Ward stopped all 25 shots from the Oilers to become the first rookie goaltender to record a shutout in the Finals since Patrick Roy in 1986.[35] Throughout the seven-game series, Ward allowed only 16 goals and finished with a .921 save percentage. His 15 wins as a rookie tied the league's record and he became the first rookie goalie to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Ron Hextall in 1987.[30]

After Gerber left in free agency, the Hurricanes signed John Grahame to serve as Ward's backup for the 2006–07 season.[36] Ward 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.[37] 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. Ward was the first overall pick in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game Fantasy Draft, selected by All-Star Game captain, Eric Staal.[38]

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.[39] Ward recorded his 500th game with the Carolina Hurricanes on February 27, 2015.[40]

During the offseason, Ward re-signed with the Hurricanes to a two-year, $6.6 million contract on June 16, 2016.[41]

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.[42] Despite this, the Hurricanes ended up winning that game 6–5.[43]

Chicago Blackhawks

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On July 1, 2018, Ward signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.[44] He went 16–12–4 sporting a career worst 3.67 GAA, 897SV% in 33 appearances in the 2018–19 season.

Retirement

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On August 28, 2019, Ward retired from professional hockey and signed a one-day contract with the Hurricanes.[45] He retired as the Hurricanes' franchise leaders in wins (318) and shutouts (27).[46]

International play

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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.[47] 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.[48]

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

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Ward is a fan of his native province's team the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[49] On March 25, 2007, Ward shaved his head for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.[50]

Ward and his wife Cody have a son and a daughter.[51]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

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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

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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

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Jones, Shane (August 23, 2006). "Warm welcome home for Ward". Archived from the original on April 14, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2006.
  2. ^ a b Wolfe, Cory (June 24, 2006). "Carolina goaltender Warded off the pressure". Regina Leader-Post. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  3. ^ Shimron, Yonat (June 30, 2006). "Goalie packs the pews continued". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Mitchell, Kevin (August 24, 2017). "From Saskatoon to Carolina, goaltending is Ward's stock in trade". Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. Archived from the original on August 28, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  5. ^ "Strathcona County honours residents' outstanding contributions and achievements in sports". Strathcona County. January 3, 2023. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  6. ^ DeCock, Luke (October 7, 2005). "Gerber out, rookie Ward in goal for Hurricanes". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ^ Molinari, Dave (October 7, 2005). "Carolina rookie eager to face Penguins". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  8. ^ DeCock, Luke (October 8, 2005). "A Ward winner". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ LeBrun, Pierre (October 21, 2005). "Attention takes goaltender off guard". Telegraph-Journal. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ DeCock, Luke (November 9, 2006). "Goalie switches for Hurricanes". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Canes can repay Lightning". The News and Observer. November 20, 2005. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  12. ^ DeCock, Luke (December 3, 2005). "Ward passed over for start at Stars". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  13. ^ DeCock, Luke (December 15, 2005). "Ward sent down to Lowell level". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  14. ^ DeCock, Luke (December 15, 2005). "Ward sent down to Lowell level (continued)". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  15. ^ DeCock, Luke (December 21, 2005). "Cullen can only look ahead to 2010". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Hurricanes". The News and Observer. December 30, 2005. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "N&O's Three Stars". The News and Observer. January 20, 2005. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Ward awarded today's start in goal". The News and Observer. February 10, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  19. ^ Aykroyd, Lucas (August 19, 2020). "7 dramatic goalie changes that paid off". IIHF. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  20. ^ Alexander, Chip (April 25, 2006). "Rookie energizes Canes". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "By the numbers". The News and Observer. April 25, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  22. ^ DeCock, Luke (April 27, 2006). "Staal rings the Bell". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  23. ^ Barnett, Ned (May 3, 2006). "Playoffs no sweat for Ward". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "Game 4 Report: Three Things We Learned". The Star-Ledger. May 14, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Game 2". The News and Observer. May 7, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  26. ^ DeCock, Luke (May 14, 2006). "Gerber gets some work". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  27. ^ Chere, Rich (May 15, 2008). "Changing of the goalie guard". Staten Island Advance. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "NHL Today". The Herald-News. May 16, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  29. ^ Alexander, Chip (May 15, 2006). "Ward inherits torch from hero Brodeur". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  30. ^ a b "Ward wins Conn Smythe Trophy". The Sports Network. June 20, 2006. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  31. ^ Pickeral, Robbi (May 22, 2006). "Young guns blazing". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "Hurricanes knot series behind Gerber". The Spokesman-Review. May 27, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  33. ^ LeBrun, Pierre (May 30, 2009). "Shuffling goalies doesn't hurt 'Canes". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  34. ^ Alexander, Chip (June 2, 2006). "Goalie is 'not a kid anymore'". The News and Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  35. ^ Newberry, Paul (June 8, 2006). "Hurricanes keep control of Finals with shutout". The Standard-Times. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  36. ^ "Carolina signs goalie to back up Cam Ward". The Herald-Sun. July 2, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Hurricanes G Ward Taken To Hospital After Being Cut in Leg By Skate". thehockeynews.ca. November 8, 2009. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  38. ^ "Ward Selected First Overall At All-Star Player Fantasy Draft". nhlpa.com. January 29, 2011. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  39. ^ "New Jersey Devils - Carolina Hurricanes - December 26th, 2011". Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  40. ^ Smith, Michael (February 24, 2015). "A Night of Milestones". National Hockey League. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  41. ^ Preston, Ken (June 16, 2016). "Canes Sign Cam Ward to Two-Year Extension". National Hockey League. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  42. ^ Billeck, Scott (March 22, 2018). "Cam Ward delivers an all-time own goal (video)". nhl.nbcsports.com. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  43. ^ Wyshynski, Greg (March 22, 2018). "Cam Ward accidentally scores on himself after dragging puck stuck in equipment into net". ESPN. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  44. ^ "Three Things: Get to know Cam Ward". Chicago Blackhawks. July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  45. ^ "Ward, 35, retires with Hurricanes". The Sports Network. August 28, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  46. ^ "Ward Signs One-Day Contract, Retires From NHL". Carolina Hurricanes. August 28, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  47. ^ "Rookies, vets on Team Canada's long Olympic list". CBC News. October 19, 2005. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  48. ^ "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.
  49. ^ Huntington, Jonathan (June 26, 2006). "Stadium name has fans angry: Riders faithful just don't like 'Mosaic Stadium'". Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2007.
  50. ^ "Hockey Star Glad to be Bald". March 29, 2007. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  51. ^ "CAM WARD". gocheckers.com. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  52. ^ a b c d e f g h Cam Ward player profile at TSN.ca
  53. ^ 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.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cam Ward.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Winner of the Del Wilson Trophy
2002
2004 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy
2004 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy
2006 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Carolina Hurricanes first round draft pick
2002 		Succeeded by
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