Cam Ward

Cam Ward's Biography

Born on February 29, 1984, in Saskatoon, Canada, Cameron Kenneth Ward rose through the ranks to become a highly successful professional ice hockey goaltender. Ward devoted the majority of his fifteen-year professional career to the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL), concluding his career with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 season. He was raised in Saskatoon and later relocated to Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Ward’s junior career spanned three years, during which he exhibited impressive gameplay for the Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League (WHL). This stint proved to be highly rewarding as he attracted the attention of NHL scouts, culminating in his selection 25th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Upon his promotion to professional hockey, he marked his initial NHL season with the Hurricanes’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lowell Lock Monsters.

In 2006, just two years into his NHL career, Ward played a key role in securing the most coveted award in ice hockey, the Stanley Cup. His dedicated performance throughout the playoff season earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, recognizing him as the most valuable player. This achievement vaulted Ward into the history books as the first starting goaltender since Patrick Roy in 1986 to win the Stanley Cup in his rookie year.

Ward’s journey through the WHL, specifically with the Red Deer Rebels, was instrumental in shaping his professional career. Three full seasons from 2001 to 2004 saw him at the helm, leading the team to the WHL finals twice. This showcase of talent culminated in his 25th overall selection by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Commitment to the Hurricanes was formalized on May 13, 2004, when Ward signed a multi-year, entry-level contract. However, due to the NHL lockout in the 2004-05 season, Ward practiced his skills with the AHL’s Lowell Lock Monsters.

His ascension to the NHL in the 2005-06 season saw Ward backing up Swiss goalie Martin Gerber for most of the year. Ward’s debut came with him serving as a temporary replacement for Gerber, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury during a match against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the team’s loss, Ward displayed notable agility with saving 10 out of 11 shots in the third period. His resilience became more evident when he helped defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the club’s home opener match, securing his first career NHL start.

Ward’s rookie season concluded with 14 wins and 8 losses and a goals-against average of 3.68. When the Hurricanes were trailing by two wins against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs, coach Peter Laviolette trusted Ward to reverse the odds. His spectacular performance turned the tide in favor of the Hurricanes, marking the beginning of an incredible playoff run. This journey saw him face his personal hero, Martin Brodeur, of the New Jersey Devils and ultimately led to a memorable stand-off against the Edmonton Oilers in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

The Hurricanes’ triumph in 2006 secured a first-ever Stanley Cup for the franchise, with Ward at the forefront. His heroics made history, with Ward becoming the first rookie goaltender to both play and record a shutout in the Finals since Roy, tying the record for wins in the playoffs with 15 and becoming the first rookie goalie to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Ron Hextall in 1987.

Following his exceptional performance in the 2006 playoffs, Ward solidified his place as the Hurricanes’ starting goaltender for the 2006-07 season. Despite the Hurricanes not making the playoffs for the next two years, they returned strongly in the 2008-09 season, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals before the Pittsburgh Penguins cut short their playoff run. Despite the encouraging stats, the 2009-10 season presented challenges, as the Hurricanes began the season with a struggle.

In a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in November 2009, Ward sustained a serious leg injury from Rick Nash’s skate, leaving a trail of blood as he was assisted into the dressing room. However, showing his characteristic resilience, he bounced back, finishing the season with an 18-23-5 record, a 2.69 GAA and a .916 save percentage; though, the Hurricanes did not make it to the post-season.

Showing his caliber, Ward was selected to participate in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game, alongside teammates Eric Staal, Jamie McBain, and Jeff Skinner. Ward was the first overall pick, selected by All-Star Game captain, Staal. In another historic hockey moment, Ward scored an empty-net goal against the New Jersey Devils on December 26, 2011, making him the tenth goalie in NHL history to do so. He also reached a career milestone with the Carolina Hurricanes, recording his 500th game on February 27, 2015.

Following the 2018-19 season, an agreement was reached between Ward and the Chicago Blackhawks, with a one-year contract worth $3 million. However, his stint at Chicago was not as successful, recording a career low 3.67 GAA, with a 897SV% in 33 appearances. After his time with the Blackhawks, Ward concluded his professional hockey career, returning to the Hurricanes through a one-day contract on August 28, 2019. His retirement was greeted with respect and reverence, as he held the franchise’s records for most wins (318) and shutouts (27).

Despite the achievements, Cameron Ward’s career was not just a series of trophies and records. The glory he attained on the ice betrayed his resilience, determination, and drive. From humble beginnings in Saskatoon to conquering the Stanley Cup, Ward’s story offers inspiration to aspiring goaltenders and highlights the significance of remaining grounded, despite the heights of success achieved.

Outside the rink, Ward is the second child of Ken and Laurel Ward, and he grew up in the Lakeridge neighborhood of Saskatoon. Later on, he relocated with his family to Sherwood Park, Alberta. On a personal note, Ward has shown his commitment to causes off the ice as well, such as shaving his head on March 25, 2007, for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Cameron and his wife, Cody, are proud parents to a son and a daughter. Despite his many accomplishments, Ward remains a die-hard fan of his province’s CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Ward’s story is not just about an ordinary boy growing into an extraordinary man. At the heart of his story is a tale of sheer determination, hard work, and an unyielding desire to be the best. His journey from the junior leagues to the Prodigious NHL is a testament to his resilience in overcoming all odds, even in the face of adversities, be it a dismal rookie season, an injury, or personal challenges. While the tales of his accolades will forever shine in the annals of NHL history, Cameron Ward’s true legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to the sport and his team, irrespective of the challenges that lay ahead.