Cam Ward is returning to his former club to hang up his skates as a Cane.
The longtime Carolina Hurricanes goaltender signed a one-day contract with the team and retired as a member of the franchise that brought him into the NHL, the club announced Wednesday.
Ward spent 13 years with the Hurricanes before playing out his final NHL campaign as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. His finest moments in Raleigh came in his first season, when a 21-year-old Ward helped the club claim the 2006 Stanley Cup. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for his efforts.
“It was an honour and a privilege to wear the Hurricanes jersey for 13 years,” Ward said via a team release. “Throughout it all, what stayed clear to me was my love for this organization, this city and this fan base. It is why my family and I call Raleigh home, and will continue to call it home. I appreciate all of the support the fans gave me throughout the highs and the lows. I thank you.
“I’d also like to thank the great teammates, coaches and staff members I worked with during my time as a player in Carolina. I will always treasure my memories as a player at PNC Arena, from winning the Stanley Cup to representing the organization in the All-Star Game. While this wasn’t an easy decision, I’m looking forward to making the transition with my family and seeing what the future holds for me post career.”
The Saskatoon, Sask., native finishes his career with a .908 save percentage, a 2.74 goals-against average and 27 career shutouts through 701 big-league appearances.
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