AHL Henderson names former NHLer Joel Ward as new head coach
A familiar name is stepping behind the bench in the minors.
On Thursday, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon announced that former NHLer Joel Ward has been named the third head coach in the history of the Henderson Silver Knights, the Golden Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate.
In a release, Ward stated that he is excited about the new opportunity: his head-coaching gig in professional hockey.
“I am honored to be the next head coach of the Silver Knights,” Ward said. “To earn my first head coaching job in Henderson, where my coaching career began, is a privilege. The Vegas Valley has been home for my family and I for six years, during which time I have learned from some incredible people in the game. I am eager to start this next chapter, lead a top contender in Henderson, and continue developing the future of the Golden Knights.”
Ward is very familiar with the Silver Knights. When the San Antonio Rampage relocated to Henderson to become Vegas’ primary affiliate in 2020, the North York, Ont. native was hired to be an assistant coach. There, he helped the team reach the postseason twice, playing the makeshift Pacific Division Final in the COVID-shortened 2021 season. After three years, he was promoted to assistant coach on Bruce Cassidy’s staff with the Golden Knights. He has held the post for the past three seasons. With Ward on the staff, Vegas has made the playoffs every year, including reaching the Stanley Cup Final this spring, ultimately losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
Prior to coaching, Ward had a respectable 11-year NHL career, making stops with the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks. He scored 133 goals and 171 assists for 304 points in 726 regular-season games, adding 52 points in 83 postseason contests.
The Silver Knights have reached the Calder Cup Playoffs twice in their six-year history, losing to the Colorado Eagles in the Pacific Division Semifinals this season.