The Player’s Tribune featured a piece from Joel Ward Monday, July 25. The veteran forward showed why he had the character that was such an asset for the Stanley Cup finals run of the 2015-16 San Jose Sharks.
A 14-year old Ward saw a commotion near his parents in the stands during a game but got on the ice for his next shift. He found out after the game that his father had a stroke, and Randal died days later.
Ward says hockey saved him. It was a refuge even on the day of his father’s funeral.