Cam Ward Named Starter For Home Opener

Let the goalie controversy begin.

After the Carolina Hurricanes practice on Thursday, coach Bill Peters named Cam Ward as his starting goalie for the team's first game of the season on Friday night.

Last year Ward was also the starter, although he was eventually supplanted by Anton Khudobin, who ended up setting a franchise record with a .926 save percentage.  Khudobin finished with a 19-14-1 record.

Ward battled some injuries and ended up with a .898 save percentage and a 10-12-6 record.  It was reported that the team tried to trade him multiple times over the offseason but were unable to.

Both goalies had some ups and downs this preseason but Peters must feel that Ward had the edge.

"He had a good summer and came in and played real well.  He's confident, he's talking.  He's had a good preseason." said the coach.  "Anton is right there with him, too.  We could go either way but had to make a decision and we are pleased with the guy we have starting tomorrow."

It will be interesting to see how this competition for playing time continues throughout the season.  The head coach said previously that he was looking for a "stud", someone to play the majority of games.

Ward will have the first chance to prove himself.

The coach also announced that Andrej Sekera was named as full time alternate captain.  Jay Harrison and Ron Hainsey would share duties, until Jordan Staal returns.

It's a bit of a surprise that Justin Faulk wasn't named in some capacity.  He had served a few games previously and the team has a young contingent that he could represent.

Sekera seems to be a quiet personality but plays big minutes on the ice and led the defense in points scored last season.

We will have a season preview of sorts later tonight and of course Jamie's first game day post will be tomorrow morning.

Listen to Coach Peters' post practice interview with the press here:

Peters - 10-9-14