Ward to lead Henderson, becomes 2nd Black coach in AHL history

Joel Ward was named coach of Henderson, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, on Thursday.

Ward became the only Black coach currently leading an AHL team and only the second in the league’s 90-year history. He succeeded Ryan Craig, who was named coach of the Golden Knights on June 17 after guiding Henderson from 2023-26.

“I am honored to be the next head coach of the Silver Knights,” Ward said. “To earn my first head coaching job in Henderson, where my coaching career began, is a privilege. 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.”

Ward served as an assistant with Vegas from 2023-26 and was an assistant with Henderson from 2020-23, following his retirement as a player on April 27, 2020.

“We are excited to have Joel lead our team in Henderson,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “This is a great next step for him on his coaching journey. Joel is a respected coach and former player that we’ve been grateful to have as a key part of our organization for six seasons. 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.” 

Henderson GM Tim Speltz said he’s pleased to welcome Ward back as head coach.

“Joel has proven to be a strong hockey mind, with a solid foundation first as a player and then as a coach,” Speltz said. “He has been a lifelong 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.”

Ward played 11 NHL seasons as a forward (2006-18), finishing with 304 points (133 goals, 171 assists) in 726 regular-season games with the Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks. He earned a reputation as a clutch Stanley Cup Playoff performer with 52 points (22 goals, 30 assists) in 83 postseason games, perhaps none bigger than the Game 7 overtime goal he scored for the Capitals against the Boston Bruins on April 25, 2012, to eliminate the defending Stanley Cup champions in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.​

​He also had 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 24 playoff games to help the Sharks reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2016, when they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.

The 45-year-old native of North York, Ontario, took the long road to the NHL. After spending four seasons with Owen Sound in the Ontario Hockey League (1997-01), he played four seasons of Canadian college hockey with the University of Prince Edward Island (2001-05). Undrafted, he signed with Houston, then the Wild’s AHL affiliate, on Dec. 4, 2005. He played 209 games with Houston and represented Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Championship.

Ward set his sights on coaching shortly after his retirement and participated in an NHL Coaches’ Association program that was created to help increase the ranks of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in coaching. Now he’s the AHL’s second Black head coach behind former Chicago Blackhawks captain and coach Dirk Graham, who guided Springfield, then a Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate, from 2004-06. Graham is the only Black head coach in NHL history.

“Joel has been a valued member of the NHLCA BIPOC Coaches Program since its inception, and we have had the opportunity to see firsthand his commitment to his development as a coach and leader,” NHLCA executive director Lindsay Pennal said. “His hiring is significant, not only for what it means to Joel personally, but because his presence behind the bench sends a clear message that there is a path to the professional ranks for aspiring coaches of color. We know his success will inspire others to pursue coaching at the highest level and we wish him every success with Henderson.”