The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is celebrating Black Heritage Month by highlighting a former OHL player each week in February who continues to find success both on and off the ice.
Black Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and Americans who have helped shape history and identity. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing challenges Black communities face and to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
Joel Ward’s hockey journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Selected in the 15th round (260th overall) of the 1997 OHL Priority Selection, Ward played for the Owen Sound Platers/Attack from 1997 to 2001, recording 76 goals and 76 assists for 152 points in 235 regular season games. He then played U SPORTS hockey at the University of Prince Edward Island (2001-2005) while earning a Sociology degree. Undrafted to the NHL, Ward went on to a 12-season career (2006-2018) with the Wild, Predators, Capitals, and Sharks. In 726 regular season contests, Ward registered 133 goals, 171 assists and 304 points. Now 44 years old, the North York, Ont. native was promoted to assistant coach of the Vegas Golden Knights in July 2023, continuing to shape the game.
