[Split98]

^ I do too - had no idea he was on such a journey

Originally Posted by The Athletic

For Ward, it was the culmination of a three-decade journey. The Flames players gave Ward the game puck after the win. Earlier he received text messages from players from the very first team he coached — the Jr. B Waterloo Siskins.

That was in 1994. Ward was a 32-year-old elementary school teacher. His players hoisted him on their shoulders when they won the Ontario provincial championship. At the time, Ward said his dream was to one day coach in the NHL. He spent decades journeying through hockey’s coaching ranks — through major junior, the minors and in Europe — before landing as an assistant coach in the NHL. He won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.

But now, a 57-year-old father of four, Ward can add his own NHL win to his resume. It was a long time coming.

“Yeah it’s a long way,” Ward said, outside the Flames locker room. “A long, long way.”

Paywall Link: https://theathletic.com/1418021/2019...flames-season/