Ron Ward
Sport: Hockey: Year Inducted: 1988
A graduate from the Cornwall Minor Hockey Program, Ron Ward joined the Cornwall Royals in 1963.
He had been an outstanding defenceman in minor hockey and now showed his versatility by filling in as a centre as well as defence with the Royals. He finished second in scoring in 1965 and was voted the Central League’s Most Valuable Player and Best Defence award winner.
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed him to a pro contract and assigned him to the Tulso Oilers of the Central Pro League. He played for three years and won the Central Pro League scoring Championships with 85 points in 1967-68.
The Maple Leafs then called Ron up to the Rochester team in the American League. He won the Rookie of the Year award and led his team in scoring as well as playing some games with the Maple Leafs.
Ron next joined the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League. He moved to the New York Raiders of the World Hockey League when they were inaugurated this team, and was a star, finishing second in scoring to Andre Lacroix with 51 goals and 67 assists.
During the early sixties and before his professional career, Ron played broomball in the city leagues as often as he could.
Following his playing career, Ron coached the Drummondville Juniors for two years.