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The Henderson Silver Knights name Joel Ward as their new head coach

After having Ryan Craig lead the way, the Henderson Silver Knights hired Joel Ward as their head coach. Here's what it means.
ByJacob Walters|
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Feb 23, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Former Washington Capital Joel Ward waves to the crowd before participating in a ceremonial puck drop for Black History Game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Feb 23, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Former Washington Capital Joel Ward waves to the crowd before participating in a ceremonial puck drop for Black History Game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Henderson Silver Knights didn't want to see Ryan Craig go. After leading the Silver Knights to a record-breaking season, the new Vegas Golden Knights head coach is off to replace John Tortorella. Six seasons with the NHL club, followed by three seasons with the AHL crew, will certainly put you in the driver's seat for the gig.

But the bigger question at hand was who would replace Craig. Would it be an out-of-towner with little to no familiarity with the Golden Knights? Or will it be someone within the organization? Henderson chose the latter as it picked Joel Ward as its newest head coach.

Ward is quite familiar with the AHL club, being hired as the Silver Knights' assistant coach on November 23, 2020. He was promoted to being the Golden Knights' assistant head coach on July 12, 2023. While he's made his mark as an assistant head coach, he's also remembered as a servicable player.

The former San Jose Shark scored 133 goals and 171 assists during his NHL career. He also spent time in the international competition scene, scoring six goals and three assists for Team Canada during the 2014 IIHF World Championship.

The hire follows a growing trend within the Golden Knights organization of hiring from within. That started with Craig, who brought six seasons of assistant head coach experience with him to the Golden Knights. Now? That trend continues with Ward leading the Silver Knights.

The bad news? There's a possibility he might not have the same talent that Craig had this past season. Names like Braeden Bowman, Carl Lindbom, and Trevor Connelly could get permanent call-ups to the Golden Knights, giving Kelly McCrimmon more cost-effective call-ups.

The good news? Ward's familiarity should play in his favor. Kelly McCrimmon and company had faith in Craig based on where he stood within the organization. You can imagine that should be the case when the new Silver Knights head coach takes the bench.

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