Cam Ward Returns to Raleigh

As the Carolina Hurricanes filed out of the bus and into United Center on Thursday morning, a familiar name and number was spotted in a new, more unfamiliar crease.
After the Chicago Blackhawks' morning skate, a smiling Cam Ward sauntered into the dressing room. It was Nov. 8, the first of two games in a span of five days circled on Ward's calendar not too long after he signed with the Blackhawks as a free agent on July 1.
He didn't get the start in net that night - it was, after all, the first game behind the bench for new head coach Jeremy Colliton - but Ward was happy to catch up with some old friends at the rink.

Monday, Nov. 12 is the second of those two games circled on the calendar: Ward's return to Raleigh, his first game at PNC Arena as a member of the opposition. It was already going to be an emotional homecoming, but making the trip even more special is the fact that it's the second leg of the Blackhawks' dads trip. Ken Ward, a veteran of dads trips, will be part of Ward's contingent, which also includes his family, making their way back to Raleigh for Monday's game.
"I'm excited. I really don't know what to expect," Ward said. "It will feel like I'm almost coming home for a short visit and catching up with the special people I've been able to keep in contact with there."
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The Hurricanes selected Ward 25th overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Thirteen seasons and 668 regular-season games later, Ward had left an indelible mark on the franchise and city he continues to call home.
Ward owns the goaltending portion of the franchise record book. He's the all-time leader in games played (668), wins (318), minutes played (38,436) and shutouts (27). He also is the franchise record holder for saves in a game (57) and win streak (9). Ward's name was etched into league history when he was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy and lifted the Stanley Cup above his head as a rookie goaltender in 2006.
"It speaks for itself. He came in as a young kid and was really good. He helped get this organization on the right track, figuring out how to win," head coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "He was just a professional, all the way through the good and the bad. He was always humble. He's just a good person."

Ward was actively involved in the community, as well, the highlight of which was his "Cam's Champs" program that contributed more than a half-million dollars to Special Olympics in North Carolina and a variety of other local non-profit children's organizations.
"He's a good friend. To see him grow and his family grow is special. He'll always be a part of this organization," Brind'Amour said. "He put his stamp on this place. He's a very, very special player and person. He's a big part of this community. He still wants to live here and be a part of it. Everything you say nice about Cam is warranted."
Ward, 34, made his first foray into unrestricted free agency this summer and signed a one-year contract with the Blackhawks. He's played in eight games and posted a 3-2-3 record for a team that continues to be desperate for victories.
"Transition-wise, it's been very smooth with my family, my wife and two kids happy in school. I say as long as they're happy, I'm happy," he said. "I've been treated really well since being here. It's been a great honor to be able to put on a Blackhawks jersey."

But the veteran goaltender hasn't forgotten about his old pals.
"I'll admit that I've definitely been keeping close tabs on the guys," Ward said. "They're guys I genuinely care about and want to see do well."
That includes Brind'Amour, now a first-year head coach and once Ward's captain on a Stanley Cup-winning team.
"I knew immediately that he was going to have the respect of his peers and his players, and they'd be working hard for him," Ward said. "The games that I've watched, they're outworking teams and playing extremely well. That's a lot of credit to Roddy and the way he approaches the game, the way he takes care of himself. He could probably still win the fitness test in training camp."
It also includes Justin Williams, now the well-deserved captain of the Canes and once the young kid who sealed a Stanley Cup championship with an empty-net goal in Game 7.
"I think very highly of Justin, not only what he's been able to do on the ice but how he is off the ice and how he approaches the game," Ward said. "He's definitely a leader. He was a leader last year, despite not wearing the C. He's a guy, when he speaks, a lot of people sit down and listen and want to follow his lead. I'm very pleased for him. I know they have other leaders, too, so it's not just on him. Jordan, Justin, those guys took on the role last year and are more than capable of helping him out."

Pleasantries aside, there are two valuable points on the line when the Hurricanes and Blackhawks meet again for the second time in less than a week, and you better believe either side wants them.
"Once the puck drops, it's game on," Ward said. "I'm a competitive guy. I'm not going to lie. I want to win. We'll be coming there to try to get two points."
"I hope he doesn't play well tomorrow," Brind'Amour said, "but I wish him the best the rest of the way."
Come Monday, Ward will enter PNC Arena and take a left to the dressing room, rather than the right turn he made for so long. He'll wear his familiar No. 30, but the white sweater will sport the iconic Blackhawks crest on the chest.
Ward will be a member of the visiting team, indeed, but he'll be home.
"I'm excited to come back. It's going to be emotional," he said. "A lot has happened in the 13 years I was there that I'm forever grateful for. It will be fun to be home for a little bit."