EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – Edmundston Blizzard management has opted for continuity by appointing Michael Ward as the concession’s fourth head coach. Both parties have signed a two-year agreement.
Team president André Lebel and general manager Steve MacPherson made the announcement today. Originally from Shippagan, Ward has been with the team for almost a year. The team had announced his hiring as assistant coach on July 6, 2024. Blizzard management will announce the other people who will be supporting Michael Ward in his work later.
The new head coach’s first few days will be busy, with the MHL draft taking place on Saturday in Grand Falls.
A former elite defenseman who played in the QMJHL and university hockey, Michael Ward spent his first season in the MHL as right-hand man to head coach Simon Olivier. The Blizzard enjoyed the best campaign of its eight-year history in Edmundston, with a record of 44-6-1-1 and a second MHL playoff championship banner.
“Michael was an easy choice,” commented André Lebel. “His experience last season was clearly in his favor. He was very close with Simon Olivier behind the bench and off the ice. He had no trouble getting his messages across to the players, who had the utmost respect for him. So, we’re opting for continuity, and we’re delighted that Michael has accepted a new challenge.”
Prior to joining the Blizzard in the summer of 2024, Michael Ward was head coach of the Rivière-du-Loup High School Sphinx in the province of Québec for the previous three seasons.
“It is with great pride that I accept the trust the organization has placed in me by appointing me to this position,” said the new head coach.
“My experience as an assistant has been extremely beneficial, not to mention the success we’ve enjoyed together. The responsibilities will certainly be greater and the challenges more demanding, as will the pressure that comes with the job. However, I approach this new stage with confidence, as I know that the core of players we have is full of talent and character.”
“Our players are well aware of the expectations and reality of wearing the Blizzard uniform in front of the Edmundston fans. It’s an exceptional privilege to play in front of 2,300 to 2,500 spectators every game. Last season was spectacular, and I’m convinced that we’ll once again have a highly competitive team that will be able to put on quite a show for our loyal fans.”
“The work is already well underway with the draft and constant communication with our players and staff. I can’t wait to see them all back on the ice at the Jean-Daigle Centre,” said Michael Ward.
Ward, 35, has enjoyed a successful career as a defenseman. After his first season of school hockey in Shippagan, he made the jump to the Miramichi Rivermen. His excellent play earned him a second-round selection (22nd overall) in the 2006 QMJHL draft with the Lewiston Maineiacs. He enjoyed great success with Lewiston that same year, the Maineiacs winning the President’s Cup with an impressive record of 16 wins and just one playoff loss.
Another highlight of his early hockey career was his selection by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 7th round (197th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He was only 17 at the time. He took part in three training camps with the Lightning and had the chance to skate with star hockey player Steven Stamkos.
Ward continued his junior career with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, serving as captain in the 2009-2010 season. The following year, he enrolled at Acadia University, where he played for the Axemen. At senior level, he played for the P’tit Mousse de Lamèque, the Rivière-du-Loup 3L and the Panthères du Haut-Madawaska. In his final campaign with the 3L in 2023-2024, he racked up 8 goals and 14 assists in 23 games.
In 17 seasons since his first junior season, he has played 212 games (11-65 = 76pts) in the QMJHL, 74 games (9-23 = 32pts) in the Atlantic University Sport, 32 games (15-40 = 55pts) in the Northeast Senior Hockey League, 35 games (21-46 = 67pts) in the Circuit Roger-Lizotte and 210 games (34-106 = 140pts) in the North American Hockey League.
Former Blizzard coaches are Ryan Salvis (2017-2018 and 2018-2019), Emery Olauson (2019-2020 to 2021-2022) and Simon Olivier (2022-2023 to 2024-2025).
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Photo
Michael Ward. Photo Percy Picard
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Source: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone