Thunder add rookie forward Ward

Glens Falls, N.Y. – The Adirondack Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames, announced that they have signed forward Brian Ward to a standard player contract.

Ward, 24, becomes the first new signing for the Thunder this summer, as he joins the team after a three-season career at St. Lawrence University, as well as one game in the American Hockey League with the Charlotte Checkers last season. Ward collected 70 points (27g-43a) over 112 games in his three seasons as a Saint and he led his team in scoring with 26 points (9g-17a) during the 2014-15 season and captained the team as a senior in 2015-16. The 6-1 forward made his professional debut on March 26, 2016 with the Checkers, as he collected a shot on goal and two penalty minutes in a 6-2 win over the Manitoba Moose.

Prior to beginning his collegiate career, Ward skated for three seasons with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League from 2010-13. Ward finished third on the Storm with 54 points (22g-32a) in the 2012-13 season while also serving as team captain.