Dixon Ward is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on September 23, 1968, in Leduc, Alberta, Canada. Ward began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Kamloops Blazers in 1986. He played for the Blazers for four seasons, winning two Memorial Cup championships in 1990 and 1992.
In 1992, Ward was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Canucks in the 1992-93 season, playing in 14 games and recording two assists. Ward spent the next two seasons with the Canucks, playing in a total of 94 games and scoring 20 points.
In 1995, Ward was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he would spend the next six seasons. He had his best season in 1996-97, scoring 22 goals and 44 points in 81 games. Ward was a key player for the Sabres during their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999, scoring six goals and 13 points in 21 playoff games.
After the 2000-01 season, Ward was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played one season with the Lightning, scoring 10 goals and 23 points in 79 games. In 2002, Ward signed as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings. He played in 54 games for the Red Wings, scoring six goals and 12 points.
Ward's NHL career came to an end after the 2002-03 season. He played in a total of 537 NHL games, scoring 96 goals and 202 points. Ward was known for his hard work and versatility, playing both center and wing positions throughout his career. He was also a solid penalty killer and faceoff specialist.
After retiring from hockey, Ward became a coach. He spent several years coaching in the minor leagues, including stints with the Rochester Americans and the Cincinnati Cyclones. In 2014, Ward was named the head coach of the University of Prince Edward Island men's hockey team. He coached the team for three seasons before stepping down in 2017.
Overall, Dixon Ward had a successful hockey career, playing for five different NHL teams and winning two Memorial Cup championships in junior hockey. He was a hardworking and versatile player who was respected by his teammates and coaches. Ward's contributions to the game of hockey continue today as a coach and mentor to young players.
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