FEATURE: Sweet home, Carolina

Cam Ward is hoping if the Carolina Hurricanes play a video tribute for him at PNC Arena on Monday, it won't take too long for the tears to leave his vision unblurred.

"It's obviously the first time I'll be doing it in my career," Ward said of his return. "I anticipate it to be strange and emotional at the same time. I'm very grateful for my time, my 13 years, that I was able to play in Carolina and I have a lot of people to thank for the opportunities I was given there."
One of those opportunities was to lift a Stanley Cup. Ward earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2006 playoffs, and he became the first rookie goaltender since Patrick Roy in 1986 to win a Cup, as the Canes beat Edmonton in seven games.

He'd go on to become the Hurricanes all-time leader in games played, wins (318) and shutouts (27) over the course of 13 seasons in Carolina.
"I choose to remember the good times," Ward said. "Obviously, breaking into the league. We won the Stanley Cup there. I think for everybody, you win a Stanley Cup and you'll remember where you were when you hoisted it and it was on that ice. I can remember exactly in the spot I was.
"Those memories will remain with you forever. I've had the opportunity to play with a lot of great players over the years and great coaches and [I've had] great support from the fans. I'm very thankful for [it.]"
The visit is perhaps made easier given the fact that Ward already exchanged pleasantries with his former teammates last week. Within a span of days, these two teams will have played each other twice.
On Thursday, the Hurricanes came to Chicago. Ward went to their hotel in the Gold Coast neighborhood to visit with friends.
"I took my son over and he was just as excited as I was to catch up with some of the guys over there and I had a bunch of guys come over to the house and just a good time to be able to catch up," said Ward. "It's different in the Western Conference than the Eastern with the time changes. You kind of lose track everything but I've tried to keep close tabs on them because I genuinely care about them."

So, do the Hurricanes take Ward out to dinner in Carolina now, or how does that work?
"I guess, to be determined. I don't know," Ward chuckled. "My family is actually going to be down there. We have the Father's Trip too so I'm going to have my dad with me. I guess I'll visit the house and see if it's still standing and go from there."
When Ward plays against his former club, stepping onto the ice will be an odd thing. He'll be sure to walk into the correct locker room as well.
"It's weird to be able to be on the ice when there's a lot of guys still over there that I was just playing with for so many years," he said. "It'll be strange, but once the puck drops I think the adrenaline will be pumping and it'll be game on like no other game. We'll be competitive and try to get two points."
The supportive fans of the Hurricanes are sure to give Ward a proper "welcome back" after so many years of service.
"It definitely will be strange, but at the same time I'm excited," he said. "It feels almost like you're coming home for a short visit and we certainly will be trying to get a big win on Monday."