New York Islanders coach Peter DeBoer believes Joel Ward has the kind of background and hockey sense that could eventually carry him to a major milestone: becoming the NHL’s second-ever Black head coach.
Ward, who was named coach of the Henderson Silver Knights earlier this year, already made history as only the second Black head coach in AHL history. DeBoer, who coached Ward during his playing career, told The Athletic he sees even more ahead for the 45-year-old.
“I think on every team you coach, you always look around, and there’s always a couple guys in that room that you go, 'Boy, I think that guy would be a really good coach one day,'" DeBoer said. "There’s no doubt Joel was on that list for me."
DeBoer pointed to Ward’s feel for the game as the trait that kept him in the league for 11 seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks.
"The reason he played was because of his hockey IQ," DeBoer said. "He wasn’t the fastest guy out there, but he understood systems.
He understood roles. And he was a selfless teammate.
I think, in order to be a coach, I think you have to have those types of characteristics."
Since hanging up his skates, Ward has moved steadily through the coaching ranks in the Vegas Golden Knights organization. And the goal has never really changed.
"At the end of the day, I’d like to coach in the National Hockey League," Ward told The Athletic.
Ward also said his own career has given him plenty to pass along to the next generation.
"I’ve learned so much throughout the course of my career and from a lot of great coaches," he said. "It would be a shame if I had all this information and didn’t get a chance to share it with others."
If Ward eventually reaches the NHL bench as a head coach, he would join Dirk Graham as the only Black head coach in league history. Graham coached the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1998-99 season.
In Other News...
Mathieu Darche May Be Closing In On Another Major Islanders Addition
A potential front-office addition is starting to take shape for the Islanders as Mathieu Darche continues reshaping the organization behind the scenes. Veteran reporter Mark Divver reported that a respected former Bruins executive could be in line to join New York once his contract expires on Aug. 1, a move that would add another experienced voice to a hockey operations department already in transition.
The appeal is obvious for Darche: the target brings a long track record in salary cap strategy, contract negotiations and other day-to-day management work that matters in a league where roster flexibility is everything. He has also drawn serious consideration elsewhere, having been a finalist for senior jobs with other NHL teams this summer, which only underscores how significant it would be if the Islanders can bring him into the fold. [Read more 🡒]
Islanders Fans Will Love Whos Part Of Charas Final Tribute
Zdeno Charas farewell game is shaping up as a fitting nod to a career that bookended with the Islanders, the franchise where the Hall of Fame defenseman first broke into the NHL in 1997-98 and later returned for his final season in 2021-22. His Zees Final Shift tribute on Aug. 21 in Trenn, Slovakia, already has the feel of a reunion built around one of the most imposing and respected players of his era.
Islanders fans will especially notice the company Chara is keeping for the occasion, with several familiar names from his path through the league set to be involved. The mix of former teammates and notable alumni gives the event extra weight for a fan base that watched Charas career come full circle, and it also underscores how many different chapters of his hockey life are being pulled into one night. [Read more 🡒]