What was expected is now official, as Joel Ward has been named the new coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, it was announced Thursday.
Ward, who has been an assistant on the Vegas Golden Knights staff the past three seasons, takes over for Ryan Craig after he was promoted to the NHL job on June 17 to replace John Tortorella.
“To earn my first head coaching job in Henderson, where my coaching career began, is a privilege,” Ward said in a statement. “The Vegas Valley has been home for my family and I for six years, during which time I have learned from some incredible people in the game. I am eager to start this next chapter, lead a top contender in Henderson, and continue developing the future of the Golden Knights.”
An 11-year NHL veteran of 726 games, the 45-year-old Ward was an assistant coach since Henderson’s inception in the American Hockey League in 2020.
Ward was promoted to the NHL staff on July 12, 2023, two weeks after Craig was named the head coach of the Silver Knights.
Ward becomes the third coach in the AHL club’s history, following Craig and Manny Viveiros. He will be introduced next week.
“We are excited to have Joel lead our team in Henderson. This is a great next step for him on his coaching journey,” Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a statement. “His exceptional ability to connect with players and staff members will have a meaningful impact on the development of our prospects, while his experience and leadership will help us continue to build a winning environment in Henderson.”
Ward inherits a team that reached the Calder Cup Playoffs last season that included a first-round sweep of the San Jose Barracuda.
This does create an opening on the NHL staff. While no decisions have been made, indications are assistants John Stevens and Dom Ducharme will return.
“Joel has proven to be a strong hockey mind, with a solid foundation first as a player and then as a coach,” Silver Knights general manager Tim Speltz said. “He has been a life-long overachiever in the game and has shown during his time with our organization that he is both a confident leader and a strong communicator and teacher.”
^
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
