The Geekjock learned late last week that it was likely time that Aaron Ward was going to retire. I kept a glimmer of hope that one of my favorite defensemen was going to hang around for another season, but yesterday the announcement was made that the 37 year old was hanging them up. Ward has always played the game of hockey like I love to do. Cover your own end, hustle on every play and take your offensive chances if they come to you.

  Ward was a 5th overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 1991 and  played 13 seasons, posting 44 goals and 107 assists and amassing 736 Pims. One of the most impressive stats to me is he has 3 Stanley Cup rings. The most important to me is the one with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. He scored the first goal in game 7 on home ice about a minute and a half into the 1st and it set the stage for the single greatest sporting event I have ever seen live. There is just nothing like seeing your home team raise the cup above their head in their own building.

   In his anouncement Ward had this to say… “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,” he said. “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.”

   I am guessing now that Ward will go into some sort of broadcasting. He was very good last year when I saw him on VS in studio with the guys. I can see him doing that sort of thing or being a color man for a team. Hell we would love to have him do games with John Forslund here in Carolina but for some reason the team is in love with the laughable Tripp Tracy. I tend to think that  Ward is the hockey equivalent of Kevin Millar. Just one of those funny likable guys that has a way to analyze the game and make you laugh at the same time. That’s what broadcasting needs. Not more guys who will announce with the usual “Those guys give 110% every night” token speeches.

I have met Aaron twice and he was nothing short of one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Best of luck to you in the future big guy!

I have posted a short but good highlight from youtube below of THE game 7. You will see Ward’s goal pretty much right away. For all of us Canes faithful this whole video will send chills down your spine and is sure to make you smile!

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