Cam Ward was born February 29, 1984 in Sherwood Park, Alberta. The first round, 25th overall selection of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Ward is a graduate of the WHL's Red Deer Rebels.
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.
On the international stage, Ward represented his homeland at the 2007 and 2008 World Championships, capturing gold and silver respectively.
