Eastern Washington adds up front with commit from NAHL grad Bobby Ward

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The Eastern Washngton University Men's Hockey program is pleased to announce a playing commitment from forward Bobby Ward (Avon Lake, OH) to attend EWU and suit up for the Eagles in the 2011/12 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Ward is a veteran of the North American Hockey League, where he appeared in 49 games between 2007 and 2009 with the Toledo Cherokee and the Alpena IceDiggers, totalling nine goals, 15 assists and 43 penalty minutes. During that time he also suited up for the USHL's Columbus Jr. Bluejackets and the CSHL's Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks.

"Bobby's addition improves our depth and experience at the forward position heading into our first BCIHL season," says EWU head coach Bill Shaw. "We expect him to step right into our line-up and contribute immediately." 

Ward chos EWU in part because the university offers a degree program that he can pair with an EMT certification he has already achieved.

Ward, like recent EWU commit AJ King, affords the Eagles some flexibility on special teams with his ability to play on the blue line if needed.

"I'm very excited to continue my education and hockey career at Eastern Washington," says Ward. "I'm looking forward to being a part of a winning team in Cheney over the next number of seasons."