Nathan Ward Explained

Position:Centre
Shoots:Left
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lb:200
Team:Flint Generals
Played For:Odessa Jackalopes (CHL)
Manchester Phoenix (EPIHL)
Flint Generals (IHL)
Birth Date:8 December 1981
Birth Place:Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Career Start:2006
Career End:2010

Nathan Ward (born December 8, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player.

Career

Ward's senior level career began with his move into the NCAA for Lake Superior State University (LSSU). Ward established himself quickly, and in his first season managed to score 10 points in 38 games.

Ward continued to be a key player for LSSU, and in the following three seasons totaled 54 points, missing only a handful of games. After Ward had finished playing for LSSU, he moved to sign for the Odessa Jackalopes in the Central Hockey League. Despite it being Ward's first professional hockey season, he averaged almost a point every two games. This productivity persuaded the Jackalopes to re-sign Ward for the 2007-08 term. Ward improved again, this time managing 63 points in 64 games, and helping the Jackalopes into the post-season.

In the summer of 2008, Ward took the decision to play his hockey outside North America for the first time, signing with the Manchester Phoenix to play under head coach Tony Hand.[1] Ward moved to Manchester in July 2008 along with his Jackalopes teammate Alex Dunn. A successful season followed in Manchester, with the organisation reaching both domestic cup finals and making the play-offs. Ward was key to the success, proving himself as a play-maker and goal-scorer. Despite the team's on-ice improvement, financial problems continued and the Phoenix moved into the EPL at the end of the season. This considerably limited the budget available, and consequently much of the senior squad, including Ward, was released and signed on September 25, 2009 by Flint Generals.[2]

Career stats

BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="0" width="75%" style="text-align:center"
  Regular season Playoffs
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIMGPGAPtsPIM
2002-03Lake Superior State UniversityNCAA38641012-----
2003-04Lake Superior State UniversityNCAA35510156-----
2004-05Lake Superior State UniversityNCAA38981734-----
2005-06Lake Superior State UniversityNCAA368142229-----
2006-07Odessa JackalopesCHL629213032-----
2007-08Odessa JackalopesCHL642043634070228
2008-09Manchester PhoenixEIHL68183856512
2009-10Flint GeneralsIHL769172629121236
Career Totals

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk/news/s/1240_phoenix_sign_centreman_nathan_ward Phoenix Sign Centreman Ward
  2. http://www.flintgenerals.com/Content/News/Article.aspx?id=9 Generals Add Eight to Pre-Season Roster