RALEIGH, NC – The Carolina Hurricanes today announced that goaltender Cam Ward has been selected by his teammates as Carolina’s nominee for the 2010-11 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. It marks the second time that Ward has been nominated for this honor, which is annually awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy contribution in his community.”

On the ice, Ward has posted a record of 35-25-10 this season, with a 2.59 goals-against average and .922 save percentage. The Saskatoon, Sask., native established a new franchise record for saves this season, stopping 2,102 shots to lead all NHL netminders. Ward, 27, also ranks tied for first among NHL goaltenders in games played (71), tied for fifth in wins (35) and ninth in save percentage (.922). Carolina’s first-round pick (25th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Ward played in his first NHL All-Star Game in January, and has also established new franchise records in career games played by a goaltender (343) and career minutes played by a goaltender (19,555).

In six seasons with the Hurricanes, Ward has become a prominent figure in the Triangle community, and is involved in a number of local causes throughout the year, particularly assisting athletes with special needs. Through his Cam’s Champs program, established prior to the 2006-07 season, Cam now provides an all-inclusive luxury suite for 40 home games at the RBC Center to organizations including Special Olympics North Carolina, Miracle League of the Triangle, Triangle Special Hockey and 19 other groups. Ward, who initially became involved with Special Olympics while playing junior hockey for the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL), also hosts a number of post-game meet-and-greets with Special Olympics athletes after games, taking pictures, signing autographs and spending time with the individuals and their families.

In addition to his work with Cam’s Champs, Ward has assisted in several other causes this season, including the Hurricanes’ Hockey is for Everyone team, the Capital City Crew. Ward also participated in the Kids ‘N Community Foundation’s featured annual events, including the golf tournament and Skate With The Canes, and he created the top-fundraising player basket at the Foundation’s annual Casino Night, including several unique items and a meet-and-greet in his basket. In December, Ward participated in the team’s annual hospital visits, and during the NHL’s All-Star Weekend in January, the netminder took part in the opening of the Companions in Courage Lion’s Den at the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.

Past winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy include former Hurricanes player and current Associate Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Ron Francis.