Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

MATTHEW & SAM WARD

WHL Bronco brothers of Kamloops make trip home memorable for family and teammates

Oct 20, 2023 | 12:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Tuesday (Oct. 17) night was special for Ken and Jill Ward. The proud parents packed into a suite at Sandman Centre along with family and friends to watch their boys, Matthew and Ben, play together in their hometown for the Swift Current Broncos.

“The 6:00 a.m. practices in this rink here. Every Friday morning we’d do skates and Don Hay would be running up and down the stairs watching us,” Ken remembers. “Having them back here in town, both together, it’s quite the treat.”

Brothers playing in the WHL isn’t uncommon. However, when you’re playing hockey 1200 kilometres from home, it can be nice to have that familiar face around.

“Not a lot of people get to do it,” Matthew says. “I never thought we’d be able to do it, but we’ve had a good ride here, so it’s been good.”

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Sam is the youngest of three Ward boys. He says playing with middle brother Matthew is a great experience, but it’s also not the only time he’s been able to be on the same junior team as a sibling.

“A couple of years ago, I played in Merritt with my older brother [Ben], which was very fortunate,” Sam says. “I get to play with my other brother here, so it’s awesome. I get to be away but I still get to be with my family, so it’s nice.”

It was Matthew who made the big impact at home on Tuesday night. He scored two goals and added two assists in the 6-3 Broncos win, earning him a nod as the first star of the game.

“That’s awesome for him,” Sam says. “I’m super pumped for him. Coming back home and doing that is very special.”

And while it was a night to celebrate for the family, Dad Ken Ward can’t help but remember they’re still kids, working hard to carve out a niche in one of the top junior hockey leagues in the world.

“They’re not that old yet — 18 and 19. Still kids, right? Mom misses them, we all miss them, but we get out to see them as much as we can,” Ken says. “Having them come through B.C. is quite the treat.”