Ward scores in bounce-back season

Edmonton, AB -- A change of scenery can do wonders. Just ask Rush forward Ryan Ward.

The Rush sniper, acquired in the off-season multiplayer trade from Minnesota last July, enjoyed his first campaign in the silver and black attack as he had a bounce back season offensively and likes the feel of this team heading into post-season play.

Ward, the five-foot-nine, 190-pound Victoria, B.C. product, finished as Edmonton's leading scorer this year with a franchise-best 74 points, and his consistent play kept him in the league's top 15 in scoring throughout the year as he bettered his point total from a year ago by 18.

He was especially strong with a tremendous start and finish to the regular season -- pouring in 24 points during games in April after a sizzling 24 points in January to open the season -- and was consistent throughout as he scored points in all 16 Edmonton games.

"Having the right scenario and teamwork and coaching, I'm happy to bounce back and just turn the page," the 29-year-old right-handed shot said. "I'm pretty happy with the change and the fresh start. I just wasn't having fun in Minnesota and coming to Edmonton was just refreshing.

"And having a positive environment really set me up for success."

Ward's offensive prowess -- he racked up 31 goals and 43 assists this season -- saw him better Edmonton's previous season scoring records as he bested Dan Teat's 41 assists and 69 points mark set last year.

He also registered his second best numbers of his career, his fourth 60-plus point campaign, and lead the Rush to the club's most goals scored in a season.

One of the biggest changes in Ward's game and the production of Edmonton's attack was his shots generated at net as his numbers soared to 160 shots, up dramatically from his last few seasons.

You know the drill, you can't score if you don't shoot.

"Absolutely," said Ward. "When I set the personal goals for myself this year, one was to attack the cage and be a goal scorer first.

"Once the threat to score was created, then I'd pass off. With the mindset to shoot first, then that will open the passing lane second."

The prodding of Rush head coach/GM Derek Keenan made it easier, as well.

"Derek kept telling me I have a great shot and I had to shoot more," Ward added. "When they're telling an offensive player to shoot more, that's nice to hear and I went with it."

It was the resurgence of Ward and the emergence of the Rush in 2010 as the premier scorer and the new-look squad brought new life to Edmonton's lacrosse community with a tremendous 10-6 campaign.

The Rush sniper credits Keenan for the turnaround and his meld of veteran players, a balanced attack and players committed to the team, as the difference makers.

"He put a very well-rounded team together," said Ward, the eight-year NLL veteran. "All the guys have good character and all are team players and I think that’s one of the main reasons for our success this year.

"We have a lot of talent on this team. Every night someone else can carry the load, if needed. It takes the pressure of me and one thing I like is we’re all unselfish. It's very conducive to what I am as a player."

And the success on the carpet helped ease the transition to Edmonton from the division rival Swarm.

"I've been really happy with it," said Ward, who's racked up 428 points in 107 NLL games. "From the team standpoint, I've really felt like I belonged here and I've felt more part of this team that I had in Minnesota in the past five years, which is kind of shocking."

A shock to many fans though might be the play of the Rush this year as Edmonton rolled to a 10-6 record and qualified for the National Lacrosse League post-season and a berth in the quest for the Champion's Cup after Edmonton wrapped up its regular season with a split against division rival Calgary and Washington.

The Rush lost an overtime heartbreaker to Calgary last Friday, but then battled back against the Stealth to emerge with a thrilling 14-13 road victory.

"We played, arguably the other two best teams in the league, so it was a good test for us," Ward said. "We went down to the wire with both teams and came away with one win and could have came away with two.

"We're pretty excited about where we stand and we we're heading."

Edmonton -- with their first-ever playoff berth clinched -- now waits for the conclusion of league play this weekend to decide the final seeding and the playoff matchups as the Rush can finish atop the division or as low as third place depending on results involving both Calgary and Washington.

"We've done our part," said Ward of the wait game. "We played all our games, now we just half to let the chips fall where they may.

"It would be nice to have a home playoff game for the franchise. It would be nice to play at home and get the ownership a game and get some excitement for the city.

"If we finish third, then we'll just have to deal with that and get a win on the road," he added. "We're excited about the first-round matchup. No matter who it is, we're confident we can take them out."

By Bruce Rakoczy