Aaron Ward calls it quits
Aaron Ward has announced that he has retired from the game of hockey. Ward is a three time Stanley Cup winner, and played over 13 National Hockey League seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins.
Ward was drafted 5th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1991 NHL entry draft. He never played a season with the Jets, and was traded to the Red Wingers where he would play seven seasons with the club, having his best statistical season in 1998-99, scoring three goals and registering 11 points. After Detroit, Ward moved to Carolina where he played four seasons with the Hurricanes, recording a career best in points in 2005-06, registering 25 in 71 games. Ward briefly joined the Rangers for the 2006-07 season, before being traded to Boston where he would spend the next three years. Last season Ward split his time between the Hurricanes and the Ducks.
In a press release Ward thanked his old teams and fans saying, “I’m very proud to have played for as long as I did in the NHL, with and against the best players in the game. This game has left me with countless memories and relationships, especially from those Stanley Cup winnings teams in Carolina and Detroit. Thanks you to my family, fans, friends and teammates for all the great years.”
Known as a solid stay-at-home defender Ward was never a flashy player, but was able to get the job done and had a winning attitude. Late in his career he sunk into the slot of fifth or sixth defenseman and had trouble staying in the line-up. An unrestricted free agent this off-season, retirement was certainly the best option for the 37-year-old Ontario native.
Last season split between the Hurricanes and Ducks, Ward recorded 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points in 77 games.
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