Top Moments of the 2019-20 Regular Season: No. 10

With the 2019-20 regular season officially over, Hurricanes.com is counting down the top 10 moments from the last year, presented by Storm Brew from our friends at R&D Brewing.

10. Cam Ward retires as a Hurricane and sounds the siren on Opening Night

Ten years after becoming the franchise's winningest goaltender, Cam Ward signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.

It was early on Aug. 28, 2019, when Ward, already dressed for the golf course, strolled into PNC Arena to put pen to paper on a final, symbolic NHL contract.

"It brings back a lot of great times and great feelings," Ward reflected later that day. "I'm so thankful for the people who have helped me throughout my playing career - teammates, coaches and staff members."

The Canes' franchise record book at the goaltender position is a highlight of Ward's accomplishments. He's the all-time leader in regular-season games played (668), minutes played (38,436), wins (318), winning percentage (.557), shutouts (27) and saves (17,261). In the Canes' run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2009, Ward set or extended his franchise playoff records in games played (41), wins (23), shutouts (4) and saves (1,064).

Ward meant just as much to the community at large off the ice. His "Cam's Champs" program, which began in 2006 as a means to support Special Olympics in North Carolina, evolved to benefit a number of children's non-profit organizations, and his contributions over the years totaled more than a half-million dollars. His wife, Cody, was also a longtime Foundation board member.

Video: Congratulations on your retirement, Cam

"I loved being a Hurricane," said Ward, who spent 13 of his 14 NHL seasons with the organization that drafted him in 2002. "I started as a Hurricane, and I wanted to be able to leave as a Hurricane."

Just over a month after hanging up the skates, Ward was back at PNC Arena for Opening Night of the 2019-20 regular season. Perched in the club level and wearing a Canes sweater - the new road white sweater, with Jordan Staal's name, No. 11 and captain's C - Ward fired up the capacity crowd by cranking the warning siren prior to player introductions.

The Canes went on to Video: Congratulations on your retirement, Cam, sparking their franchise-best 5-0-0 start to the regular season.