A standout goaltender in Red Deer, Ward spent four seasons with the club finishing with a 102-40-15 record and a 2.03 GAA while capturing numerous awards including; WHL Goaltender of the Year (2002-2004) and WHL Player of the Year honours (2004).

In 2004-05, Ward completed his first professional season, posting a 27-17-3 record in 50 games with Carolina's AHL affiliate in Lowell before going on to make his NHL debut with the parent club in 2005-06. That season, Ward would be instrumental in leading their playoff drive as he replaced struggling goaltender Martin Gerber in game 2 of the first round playoff against the Montreal Canadiens. After posting 15 wins, 2 shutouts and suiting up for 23 of Carolina's 25 playoff games the rookie netminder led his team to its first Stanley Cup. Ward became the fourth rookie goaltender to be named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as most valuable player of the playoffs.

He recorded season of 30 and 37 wins in the 2006–07 and 2007–08 campaigns, though the Hurricanes would miss the playoffs both years.

Ward would lead the Hurricanes to a bounce back season in 2008-09. The club would reach the Eastern Conference Final before bowing out to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Ward went 8–10 with a 2.67 GAA during the playoffs.

On December 26, 2011, Ward became the tenth goaltender in NHL history to record a goal. He accomplished the feat when a errant pass found its way into the New Jersey Devils' empty net following a rebound.

On February 27, 2015, Ward appeared in his 500th career game with the Carolina Hurricanes.

In the summer of 2018, Ward's time in Carolina would come to an end. After 13 seasons with the Hurricanes he signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks.

On the international stage, Ward represented his homeland at the 2007, 2008 and 2012 World Championships, capturing gold in 2007 and silver in 2008.