Former Boston Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward announced his retirement Tuesday after 15 seasons in the NHL. The 37-year-old split his final NHL season between the Carolina Hurricanes and Anaheim Ducks. Ward spent two and a half seasons with the Bruins, playing in 150 games.
In a NHL Players Association (NHLPA) release on Tuesday, Ward pointed toward a third knee surgery that would have rendered him unable to begin the 2010-11 season as the deciding factor in his retirement.
Stanley Cup of Chowder offered its own stick-tap to the fan favorite:
Ward was a fan favorite here in The Hub due largely to his workman-like approach to the game and his role on the popular morning drive radio show, Toucher & Rich. Ward's entertaining weekly interviews on T&R were a must listen for any B's fan. His ease in front of a microphone on Toucher & Rich gave a glimpse into Ward's life after hockey.
Ward, who also spent three years playing hockey for the University of Michigan, is rumored to be pursuing a career in color commentary or analysis.