Nathan Ward

Nathan Ward (born December 8, 1981 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player.

For those of a similar name, see Nathaniel Ward (disambiguation).

Nathan Ward
Born	(1981-12-08) December 8, 1981 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Left
team	Flint Generals
Played for	Odessa Jackalopes (CHL) Manchester Phoenix (EPIHL) Flint Generals (IHL)
Playing career	2006–2010

Career

Ward's senior level career began with his move into the NCAA for Lake Superior State University (LSSU). Ward established himself quickly, and in his first season managed to score 10 points in 38 games.

Ward would continue to be a key player for LSSU, and in the following three seasons totaled 54 points, missing only a handful of games. After Ward had finished playing for LSSU, he moved to sign for the Odessa Jackalopes in the Central Hockey League. Despite it being Ward's first professional hockey season, he averaged almost a point every two games. This productivity persuaded the Jackalopes to re-sign Ward for the 2007-08 term. Ward would improve again, this time managing 63 points in 64 games, and helping the Jackalopes into the post-season.

In the summer of 2008, Ward took the decision to play his hockey outside North America for the first time, signing with the Manchester Phoenix to play under head coach Tony Hand.[1] Ward moved to Manchester in July 2008 along with his Jackalopes teammate Alex Dunn. A successful season would follow in Manchester, with the organisation reaching both domestic cup finals and making the play-offs. Ward was key to the success, proving himself as a play-maker and goal-scorer. Despite the team's on-ice improvement, financial problems continued and the Phoenix moved into the EPL at the end of the season. This would considerably limit the budget available, and consequently much of the senior squad, including Ward, was released and signed on September 25, 2009 by Flint Generals.[2]

Career stats

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2002-03	Lake Superior State University	NCAA		38	6	4	10	12		-	-	-	-	-
2003-04	Lake Superior State University	NCAA		35	5	10	15	6		-	-	-	-	-
2004-05	Lake Superior State University	NCAA		38	9	8	17	34		-	-	-	-	-
2005-06	Lake Superior State University	NCAA		36	8	14	22	29		-	-	-	-	-
2006-07	Odessa Jackalopes	CHL		62	9	21	30	32		-	-	-	-	-
2007-08	Odessa Jackalopes	CHL		64	20	43	63	40		7	0	2	2	8
2008-09	Manchester Phoenix	EIHL		68	18	38	56	51		2
2009-10	Flint Generals	IHL		76	9	17	26	29		12	1	2	3	6
Career Totals

References

1. Phoenix Sign Centreman Ward
2. Generals Add Eight to Pre-Season Roster

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from Eliteprospects.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
• Nathan Ward Personal Profile, Manchester Phoenix Official Website
• http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=252722