Cam Ward
Cam Ward was drafted 25th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. After appearing in one game in the Western Hockey League in 2000-2001, Ward played three full seasons with the Red Deer Rebels from 2001-2004, leading the Rebels to the WHL finals twice. Upon graduating from the WHL, he moved on to play two seasons with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the AHL.
Ward signed a multi-year contract with the Hurricanes in May of 2004. During the 2005-2006 season, he played as a backup to Martin Gerber in Carolina. Ward was dispatched to play during that season's home opener, as Gerber injured his hamstring. He saved 10 out of 11 shots in a 5-2 loss. Ward quickly became the hockey darling of Carolina, playing rather well for the team as the opportunities arrived. He slowed down towards the end of the year, however, and finished the 2005-2006 season with a 14-8 record and a 3.68 GAA.
Ward was turned to once again in the playoffs when Carolina grew impatient with the struggling Martin Gerber. Ward was called in during the series with Montreal and quickly took over the pace of the series, saving nearly everything that moved. He was a dynamo and eventually led the Carolina Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup, becoming the first rookie goalie to win a Cup since Patrick Roy in 1986. Ward won the Conn Smythe as well.
The 2006-2007 was somewhat of a normal year for Ward and the Hurricanes, as they missed the playoffs and didn't post a good season. Ward went on with a 30-21-6 record, finishing the regular season with a 2.93 GAA and two shutouts. He'll be looking to advance from a disappointing year in the upcoming NHL season and should be set to prove his detractors wrong. Ward is a classic butterfly goalie who remains square to the shooter. He is a goalie that enjoys his job, too, and plays better the more fun he is having. Ward enjoys up-tempo hockey and thrives when he's busy. He's also not fancy with the puck, but prefers to play it safe.
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