Michael Ward

Junior Career

Although being selected with a relatively high draft choice, in the 2nd Round 22nd overall by Lewiston in the 2006 QMJHL Midget Draft, Michael Ward saw relatively little action in his rookie season of major junior hockey. The fact he was drafted that high, however, was notable considering he was passed over the year before in the QMJHL Draft. In 2006-2007 Ward played sparing minutes on the Maineiacs third pairing totaling 7 assists and 39 penalty minutes in 58 games helping the talented stacked Lewiston team to win the QMJHL championship and make a Memorial Cup appearance. In the playoffs, Ward added a single assist and 16 penalty minutes in 11 games. At season's end he was ranked the 156th best skating prospect by the NHL' Central Scouting Service and he was selected in the 7th round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Lightning.

Professional Career

Because Ward has played so little major junior hockey to this point in his career, expect him to need a full two seasons of development in the QMJHL before the Lightning make a signing decision.