SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Springfield Thunderbirds announced Thursday that they have signed forward Cory Ward to a PTO.

 

Ward, 24, is skating in his second full professional season following a four-year NCAA career at Bemidji State. In 151 collegiate games, Ward tallied 45 goals and 35 assists for 80 points, in addition to 127 penalty minutes.

 

Prior to joining the Thunderbirds, Ward also spent time in the AHL with the St. John's IceCaps following his senior season in 2015-16, in Syracuse for two games last season, as well as 18 games with the Ontario Reign earlier this year. In 28 career AHL games, Ward has a goal and four assists.

 

In 16 games with the Manchester Monarchs this season, Ward has tallied seven goals and seven assists for 14 points. A season ago, he totaled 37 points (16g, 21a) with the Monarchs.

 

Ward joins the Thunderbirds as they try to bounce back from a loss in Bridgeport as they return home on Friday, March 16 for a 7:05 p.m. matchup with the Syracuse Crunch at the MassMutual Center.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about 2018-19 Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships. Packages include a wide range of benefits, including the lowest prices for the 2019 AHL All Star Classic presented by MGM Springfield. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.