The game wasn’t even half-way through the first period when the Caps put Joel Ward highlights on the big screen, earning the former Cap an instant standing ovation from the Verizon Center faithful.
Ward, who signed with San Jose after spending four years with the Capitals, made his first trip back to the Washington ice since leaving town.
The highlights eventually got around to showing two of Ward’s most famous goals with the Caps, the series-ending overtime goal against Boston in 2012 and the buzzer-beating winner against New York this past season. The fans – some of whom were wearing their Caps Ward jerseys – grew even louder.
Welcome back, Wardo. No matter where you play, you’ll be remembered in Washington for years to come.
Here’s what Wardo tweeted after the game:
"Good morning good afternoon and good night" @WaltonCaps Thank you @washcaps for 4 amazing years!
— Joel Ward (@JRandalWard42) October 14, 2015
@washcaps Thank you for the tribute tonight very touching and meant a lot to me and my family! Just want to give a special thanks to…
— Joel Ward (@JRandalWard42) October 14, 2015
Everyone in the organization,esp all the staff at the Verizon Center who supported me every game day in and day out… #1Love -BigCheese
— Joel Ward (@JRandalWard42) October 14, 2015
