RALEIGH, N.C. – Cam Ward had an incredible start to his NHL career, winning the Stanley Cup and the Conn-Smythe Trophy, awarded as playoff MVP, in 2006.
But it was not only at the start of his career that he had some good times. One of his most memorable came in 2019, with the Chicago Blackhawks. And yet, he hoped not to have to live such an experience.
“I always thought I wouldn’t want to play an outdoor game. As a goalkeeper, I was going to be cold! “Ward recounted.
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But the doorman completely changed his mind when he started the Blackhawks in the 2019 Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. He made 32 saves, but Chicago lost 4-2 to the Boston Bruins in front of 76,126 fans.
“I have to say, it was one of the best experiences of my career. It’s really high on my list,” he said.
Ward began his 14-year NHL career with the Carolina Hurricanes, who will host an outdoor game for the first time in their history. This will be the 37th time the NHL has held such an event, and a first in North Carolina. The matchup will pit the Hurricanes against the Washington Capitals in the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh on Feb. 18.
“I’m really happy for the players who didn’t have that chance to play an outdoor game, and I’m happy for the city of Raleigh and the fans, the ‘Caniacs,'” Ward said. They are going to put on a very good show. It will be a truly memorable experience for everyone. And it will also be at the Carter-Finley, a very nice place to hold an away game. »
Ward played 701 games in the NHL season, ranking 29th in NHL history. Injuries cut short his career, while chronic knee problems prevented him from training or warming up properly.
“When the end of my career came, I knew it was over,” he said. When I played, my father used to say: ‘The more fun you have, the better you will do’. It had become obvious that I no longer had as much fun at the end of my career. I was hurt too often. My body started to let me down. I knew the time had come. »
The transition from active to retired player was not easy.
“To be honest, it took a long time. It is difficult, overnight, to be at a standstill. Once you’re retired, you’re retired. It’s a hard pill to swallow, ”said the main interested party.
Ward began his post-career career in Raleigh and relied on the friendships formed during his time with the Hurricanes.
“I’ve met a lot of good people through hockey, especially here. I’m back now. I watch more games, I take my son to games. I am a season ticket holder, so I have the opportunity to share memories with my children and be able to watch more hockey,” he said.
When Ward watches the Stadium Series game next week, he will no doubt remember the unpredictable joy of playing an away game. One of the many moments in his career for which he is grateful.
“I’m grateful to have been able to get the start that night (in South Bend) and to have been able to have this experience. Considering that I’ve been retired for four years, I can say that time flies. We must not forget to cherish the different moments lived during our career, ”concluded Ward.