Ward, who finished his NHL career in 2018 with 304 points (133 goals, 171 assists) in 726 games for the Capitals, Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks, remains influenced by Robinson's legacy even after his retirement. He named his newborn son after the baseball legend. Ward also thinks that all NHL teams should retire No. 22, the number Willie O'Ree wore when he became the League's first black player on Jan. 18, 1958, the same way Major League Baseball uniformly retired Robinson's number in 1997.
He discussed Robinson, his career, O'Ree and his plans with NHL.com as part of the League's Black History Month celebration. Ward will return to Washington on Feb. 23 for a ceremonial puck drop before the Capitals' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena.
Why did you decide to wear Jackie Robinson's No. 42 when you joined the Washington Capitals in 2011-12?
"When I switched over to D.C., it was kind of a new chapter in my life and I wanted to flip it over and do something different. I was kind of thinking, when our equipment guy, Brock (Myles), called me and said 'Hey, what number are you thinking about wearing's No. 22 the same way MLB teams retired Robinson's No. 42?
"C'mon, how could you not? What he did in paving the way? If it wasn't for Willie, I would have never had played. It's so special to see his story and what he did. Can you imagine playing hockey at that time, being the only brother on the team, in the locker room? You can't even describe it. What he did -- and he's still spreading the word, the love of the game today. Every time you talk to him, he loves it, speaks very highly of it. To see more of us playing, more minorities and kids of color loving the game, and he's still tooling around, it's unbelievable."
You've said you're essentially retired from the NHL. What are you doing these days?**
"I'm a stay-at-home dad right now, and I love it. But, yes, I love the game too. I watch a lot of games. I feel I've got to get back into it, of course. Over the years, I've had so many great coaches. "Uncle" Barry Trotz, Pete DeBoer … I've learned so much over the years from my coaches. Adam Oates was instrumental in helping me out in thinking the game a different way and my skill level. It would be a crime if I kept all that information and didn't share it with everybody. I'm looking to pass along my knowledge to some kids and, hopefully, some guys will make it to the pro ranks. We need to see more fellas in the National Hockey League, and we need more fellas coaching. That's where I kind of come in. Right now, I'm just enjoying father time, but I definitely want to get back into the game."
