Former Canes defenseman Aaron Ward, a veteran of more than 13 NHL seasons and a three-time Stanley Cup winner, announced his retirement from the NHL today through the NHL Players Association.
Ward underwent a third surgery on his knee after last season, and it was recently determined that he would not be ready for the start of the 2010-11 campaign. Ward played for the Canes until being sent to the Anaheim Ducks on the trade deadline.
“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,” Ward said in the NHLPA release. “This game has left me with countless memories and relationships, especially from those Stanley Cup winning teams in Carolina and Detroit. Thank you to my family, fans, friends and teammates for all of the great years.”
Ward, 37, played in 839 career NHL games and recorded 44 goals, 107 assists and 151 points to go along with 736 penalty minutes. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Detroit Red Wings (1996-2001), played in five seasons with the Hurricanes over two separate stints (2001-2006, 2009-10) and played in three seasons with the Boston Bruins (2006-2009), as well as played in one season for both the New York Rangers (2006-07) and the Anaheim Ducks (2009-10).
Ward was also part of three Stanley Cup teams, winning two championships in Detroit (1997, 1998) and one in Carolina (2006).
The native of Windsor, ON was a first round draft pick – selected 5th overall – by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Spot in the booth
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 16:23 — HockeydogI say Aaron needs to be the Canes new color commentator. During his first stint with the Canes while on IR he stopped in and did some work with Forslund. He was awesome! And since he still has a house in the area he can do what many former Canes do and stay here.
Subsequent coverage
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 09:41 — ctillSubsequent coverage indicates that Ward's knee was in very bad shape last season and was a primary factor in his decision to retire.
You the man
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 08:47 — tmw9578The warrior in the paint, the dirty worker that rarely gets the spotlilght. Thanks for everything you did for our franchise in the Carolinas. Veteran leader and tough as nails. I wish you would have had more penalty minutes than career games though! Good luck and thanks again for the first pro sports title for NC! kind of a big deal.
Best of Luck
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 15:54 — louis12580Aaron did indeed have his highs and lows while a Cane. Having his family as a permanent part of our community is an honor, just as it is with the others. Maybe some day there'll be an alumni team assembled to play charity games.
When Ward scored early in
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 12:56 — ctillWhen Ward scored early in Game 7, it was a sign that the Canes were prepared to take charge. The Canes captured momentum and kept it for nearly all the game.
Like most Canes, Ward had his highs and lows but I'm grateful for his time here.
I think that this moment is
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:20 — ncsurveygirlI think that this moment is how I will remember him. I was sitting on the south end when he scored that goal in the 1st. Some kid with a Commie wig blocked my view of it going in the net, lol! But I remember thinking, right then, we're going to win. What a game!!
Aaron Ward
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 11:24 — hellfishGood luck Aaron ,you were a hell of a player and a leader that the Canes needed for that cup run. My best to you and yours...Thank you...enjoy it.