Will Joel Ward become the NHL’s second Black head coach? His peers have ‘no doubt’
Joel Ward is moving into the head coach position for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League. This role marks another step in his career as he pursues a goal of coaching in the National Hockey League. If he succeeds, he would become only the second Black head coach in the history of the NHL. The league has seen very little representation in head coaching roles for Black candidates in its 109-year existence.
Ward transitioned to coaching after an 11-year career as a winger. He played for four different organizations and reached the 2016 Stanley Cup Final with the San Jose Sharks. After he retired, he spent six years with the Vegas Golden Knights organization, moving from an assistant role to the bench of the AHL affiliate. He views the minor leagues as a necessary stage for gaining experience and earning trust.
Former NHL coaches like Peter DeBoer and Bruce Cassidy support his approach. Both men noted that many current NHL bench bosses spent significant time in the minor leagues before landing top jobs. DeBoer highlighted the high hockey IQ and selfless nature Ward displayed during his playing days as traits that translate well to management. Ward plans to focus on clear communication and building genuine relationships with his players to create a stable environment.
Beyond his work on the bench, Ward has remained active in addressing inclusivity in professional hockey. As a co-founder of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, he works to open doors for younger people who may not have seen many faces like his in high-level positions. He views his own path as an opportunity to share knowledge and create a blueprint for future coaches.
While his current focus is the Silver Knights, Ward is clear about his future ambitions. He remains determined to reach the NHL as a head coach. Industry peers suggest that his willingness to put in the work at the minor-league level shows the same dedication that helped him succeed as an undrafted player.