Ryan Ward announces his retirement after 11 years of NLL action
In a statement released by the New England Black Wolves forward Ryan Ward has formally announced his retirement after 11 seasons in the National Lacrosse League.
“I have been contemplating my retirement for several months but found it difficult to announce as I feel I still have the ability to play at a high level,” Ward, 34, said in a prepared statement. “But if I am honest with myself, I realize I no longer possess the passion to prepare, train, travel and dedicate the time it takes to perform at the highest level. I realize that my stronger desires lie with spending time with my young family. I am ready to develop this chapter of my life.”
Black Wolves Head Coach Blaine Harrison said, “We would like to congratulate Ryan on his outstanding career, as well as his time with us. We wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement.”
“I love lacrosse and it is definitely a huge part of who I am,” Ward added. “I will still be actively involved in the sport with my company, Twin Cities Lacrosse, as well as coaching high school lacrosse and my own kids. I would like to thank my wife for supporting my ‘road-warrior’ professional lacrosse career as well as my family, for dedicating so much of their time and efforts to the sport through the years. I would be remiss if I did not thank all my coaches that played such a valuable role in my success these past 31 years. Lastly, I would like to thank my teammates; it has been an honor as well as a privilege competing with all of you.”
Ward finishes in the top 20 in overall points 678 (19th) and assists 431 (15th). Ward has also scored 247 goals—that ranks him 28th overall.
Ryan Ward started his NLL career with the Philadelphia Wings who drafted him in the first round (third overall) in the 2003 NLL Entry Draft. Ward would spend a season and a half with the Wings before being traded to the Minnesota Swarm along with a fourth round selection (Tyler Perry) on February 8, 2005 in exchange for Shawn Nadelan and a first round selection in 2005 (Luke Wiles—fourth overall). In that 2005 draft there were a few names that stand out that were chosen after Luke Wiles. Matt Vinc (sixth), Jeff Shattler (10th), Mike Poulin (21st) and Shawn Williams (28th). If they knew then what they know now…
Ward played in Minnesota from 2005-2009. After the 2009 season he was signed by the Edmonton Rush before returning to Philadelphia for the 2014 season.
In what ended up being Ward’s final season, he recorded 14 goals and 46 assists.
Ward, a two-time All-Star (2007-08), also made playoff appearances in six of 11 seasons, with his biggest production being in the 2012 playoffs when he registered 10 goals and 11 assists.
Ryan Ward is one of the true gentlemen of the game. He displays sportsmanship on and off the field. He always finds time after the games to spend with fans.
Ryan Ward may not sport any championship rings from his time in the NLL, but a true CHAMPION does not need a ring.
If he played for your home team (Philadelphia, Minnesota, Edmonton), you could not help but be excited at his play.
Thank You, Ryan Ward. You gave the fans of the NLL 11 years of pure excitement.
