Eastern Conference Eye Candy: Aaron Ward (Carolina Hurricanes)

Today's eye candy is courtesy of loyal HftL reader, Cathy Z,who sent this to me for inspiration last week; I just decided to use it as a post since it was pretty well laid out for me! THANKS, Cathy, for the "day off" allowing me to enjoy the eye candy without all the "work!"

GREAT JOB!!

Aaron Ward
6' 2"
209 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Defenseman - Carolina Hurricanes
Pro player for 15 years
Born: 1/17/73 (36)
Birthplace: Windsor, Ontario
Married (Kelly) - one son (Liam), two daughters (Libby & Phoebe)

He has played for the Red Wings, Rangers, Bruins & Hurricanes.

What's special about him:
After winning the Cup in 2006 he used his day (with the Cup) to raise money for a children's hospital on the campus of the University of Michigan.

Also, an article from HOFF about his day with Cup in 2006:

At 4:30, Aaron visited the kids at C.S. Mott's Children's Hospital, located at his alma mater, the University of Michigan. Taking the Stanley Cup from room to room, Ward would greet each young patient with, "Hi there! How's it going? Do you think you have room for the Stanley Cup on your bed?" No one, as you might imagine, was unable to find room for Lord Stanley's Cup. Each child got a pennant and an autographed team Stanley Cup poster. "There's my ugly mug, right there," he'd say, pointing out his picture, complete with playoff beard. Each child would stare at the photo, then look up at Aaron, quickly breaking into a monstrous grin. It was all most in the room could do to keep the tears from tumbling down their cheeks.

For two hours, Ward lugged the Stanley Cup into each room. Katelyn, Kyle and all the young patients waited their turn to meet the hockey hero. One little boy of 4, who had been flown in from Kansas, was especially shy when Aaron visited his room. Ward spent a fair bit of time with the youngster, kibitzing and teasing. After Aaron left to visit other children, he turned around at one point, only to discover the young lad tagging along behind him, pulling his IV pole as he went. "I just find it so redeeming to bring the Stanley Cup here," Ward explained. "The kids are so appreciative of the visit." It comes as no surprise, therefore, that Aaron Ward was Carolina's nominee for the King Clancy Trophy, going to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice, and who has made a noteworthy contribution to his community.

- HOFF Stanley Cup Journal

He founded "Cuts for a Cause" a charity event to raise money for the MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Oncology Unit (children fighting cancer). For this event players have their heads shaved, including Ward. Fans would pay for the fun to watch this (and to give to a great cause) plus, the second year, there was an auction for fans to be able to bid to shave the head of their favorite (participating) Bruin. The second year (2008-2009 season) raised over $33,000 (part of that must have been a percentage of the drinks sold lol).

This year (2009-2010) he purchased a suite and started Ward’s Warriors the purpose of which is to give out the all inclusive suite to various military personnel at every home game.

TID BITS
If I weren't playing hockey, I'd be ... a taste-tester for Ben & Jerry's ice cream. (interview w SI)

(On having to travel in suits):
"Actually, we're pretty fashion-forward guys. It's the heavy European influence, guys who've come over to the country. There's actually kind of a competition in the locker room to outdo the next guy in terms of getting dressed. I spent so much time in Detroit [on the Red Wings] with Russians. Those guys love Prada and Versace. Igor Larionov used to say, "If you look like a professional, you'll be treated like a professional." - Boston.com

What's the item in your closet you couldn't live without? My Breitling Montbrillant watch. - Boston.com