Former Blackhawks goaltender Cam Ward signed a one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday and will retire after 14 NHL seasons.
Ward spent the first 13 years of his professional career in Carolina, where he helped bring the city a Stanley Cup in 2006 and was voted the Conn Smythe winner as the most valuable player in the playoffs after going 15-8 with a 2.14 goals against average, .920 save percentage and two shutouts. He was the fourth rookie goaltender in NHL history to win that award.
"It was an honor and a privilege to wear the Hurricanes jersey for 13 years," Ward said in a statement. "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.
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"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."
Ward, who was drafted by Carolina in the first round (No. 25 overall) in 2002, is the Hurricanes’ all-time leader among goaltenders in games played (668), wins (318) and shutouts (27). He spent his final season in Chicago and wraps up his career with a 334-256-88 record, 2.74 goals against average, .908 save percentage and 27 shutouts.
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