Aaron Ward, Former Bruins Defenseman

Over the course of his NHL career Aaron Ward played in over 600 NHL games a member of five different NHL organizations. But more importantly a member of three Stanley Cup championship teams. Erin Moore joins us on the AT&T hotline find out what's possible with the nation's fastest mobile broadband network. AT&T rethink possible parent I don't I don't I don't. Don't great thank you he had one of the reasons some want to talk hockey with the on a number of fronts anyway but. We get word in the last 24 hours or so that apparently your former teammate Marc Savard has suffered. Another concussion of some severity and we don't know how long he's going to be out of -- lineup. I almost elect has -- the shot it down again for the year.

Habits -- it is the end of fortunate part is sports to business and sometimes it's based. A lot of my ultimate physical player Porter comes down to a successful -- much like Crosby a couple of -- situation and I have position and the role replacement team and and gates and there was obviously Crosby shut down to make note that play in helping him for him if he's not -- at a disabled Savard maybe you look. Little further in the future consider the fact they can make the playoffs. And and maybe. Injecting a lot of that point and not not run the risk of having something important happened for the.

It's kind of an amusing question in some respects because you -- the victim of one of the cheapest cheap shots I've ever seen in my life but is there -- lack. Of of respect in the National Hockey League that guys just don't respect or care it up a bit about the health and welfare of their opponent opposing players.

Not other than tiger Williams incident where he scores a goal and trying to put Kearns in right to sit down but that's understandable -- We're gonna drill like that players players respect each other players respect the game part of one of the great things about not talking that you have a connection to some of the history -- I'll I'll. Just for instance started music he's run blocker and when you see that man every day. And already respect there. The brunette woman what the Bruins are about the -- suspect the fact that people for you played at the right way to approach to the right way and ambulances on you can do the same thing so when it comes to instances like that we had not won last night what's up with that simply some punching I think who took. -- and and from the from the police but again it is a circumstance forgot maybe not a fighter. Actual book character gets punched in the face and and until it appropriately. Gleason got kicked out of the game look beyond that I don't think much -- come of it. -- since then again it's it's it's such a game of spur of the moment emotion. It's not like it's the McSorley chasing guide on the nation anymore but at the stick -- he's trying to even the -- these are split second decisions emotions involved. Competition we're we're we're not with competitive individuals and play games so. It's it's not egregious you know -- you guys the American contemplating an on the bench. Jumped on the excuses to get out and -- some its its it's split second decisions.

now we all know bit off hockey's a very tough game a very physical game you played it now that you've -- move beyond it and -- retired a little bit. Are you comfortable with the rules right now and the regulations of hockey the -- guys skate of -- hitting and things like that is there anything they can do to -- protect these gas or. Is it just the I think this is what it is it's a hockey game it's about the brutal sports --

I think it changes that are made are -- are are we cutting -- limit you know took the Red Line out I think that was great for the game. You've really gotten away from one of the things on these changes is that you know it -- latest. Some of those role players not to have one guy -- your top guy your policemen on the net where in the past you're gonna brought to boys and it -- you have. All lined up four point it was usually comprised of guys that. Racked up triple -- only minutes and so -- you about one guy that that takes care of it may be up two of the guys that can definitely put a game -- can handle themselves physically. -- I think where we've gone with the game in terms of speed. In terms of training technology really helps not only would equipment but the fact the players are better prepared you walk into a locker room. For the game of video meeting and so you you know about. A player's tendencies so the game comes even more natural. It's less sometimes about natural skill and Mort sole vote knowing another team's tendencies and -- and they -- speed and and nice start -- and certain guys -- you know like Phil Kessel yesterday come down the left wing Gonzales -- for the short side. And Cam Ward goes scored the last post. Even before. By the capsule that shot its its players know each other end and that also. Falls into the category up if you know what -- tendency to go like you might meet him with a hit on that -- you might you might know that. He's not a guy that they're really gonna fight back -- get a little more aggressively to get help I think the -- The speed and the nature of the game. And how it's evolved as is it's created a problem when you go back to Savard and and and the caused this situation or higher speeds. Better conditioned athletes. Different aspects of the game have that -- have benefited as the skill and speed but you'd run the risk of really it's the only work with. I'm not gonna empathetic but greater movement of players causes great editors.

you talk about preparation I'm gonna ask you the for a player what can Marc Savard do in the future. Take account to stay out of the of the book. You know out of the that the the hits -- from the -- and and away from you know that that you know that bulls got its markets on his head Kenny. Penny count and keep his head up is there anything he can do when you talk about preparedness. Accounts that we're from these hits and stay clean if you will.

Not really in -- itself and you play -- certain way and you make matters taught -- because those are the of the characteristic you have as a player and and what you do in the face and it's it's. Oftentimes you see the effectiveness of of a player once you start manipulate away from. What made him effective in the past and he loses that edge remembers that sharpness to his game and and -- falloff in terms of contributions so it's it's tough to say to yourself you know what I'm trying to avoid the corner because. The -- that's for the inevitably and make to end what we we know is there's joked about certain players on on the team in the past that may have gotten treated to a north northeast. Division opponent that we used to joke of the liquid around -- be a perfect player to never up global -- the put it. I think at and the player you cannot avoid going around the corner and and that's -- contact made and part of Marc Savard. Still said it is holding the putt tapping the puck he wants being control he's he's much like the quarterback on the ice you know we're talking what it all on -- My power play but he like that it even strength so he wants the -- want to set guys up he's patient and that is that is a a great quality. But the problem is when you have that -- you're than the target more often than not and and guys also nominate. As as a physical player I knew the guys -- want to hit -- could care less about hitting a guy on the fourth one that I felt like it could make an impact on the first second liner and making -- faster than I was gonna take that opportunity whether it was a chance or not. Again thousands try and send a message or or have some impact on the game early by hitting a guy like that.

Former Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward is our guest here on Sports Radio. It could be as simple as getting rid of the instigate a role if if guys could release the game themselves to a greater degree. With some of this stuff -- cleaned up.

North I don't think it's necessarily that they can really it's a literal I think that the biggest thing I hate multiple game right now is used to -- guy. Level and other -- clean checks for some reason. Hockey players -- to get him politically that we have to respond with something -- now it's okay to step up with a guy and -- always. Next time Dominic actually get but it seemed as though you have to -- a moment every single time. And it's taken away that at but the game particularly annoyed ballots it's once there's a great hit -- enough paper for fighting. Or -- by fighting. Felt a porcelain we've we've we've we've moved out way if you look at the hockey persons in -- eighty's and ninety's that was one of period that's Mexican little yet there's a lot of clutching grabbing but the a lot of big hits and indict had those roles but now wanna help fill those holes they also and have in the flight. And I saw last night outside of the radio call that came at least came. And up huge -- in the first shift. On now Brent Sutter spent the next three ships trying to trying to defend himself from from from Gleason and guys who felt like they had to go right the wrong but the best part of the game get away from the fact that. Getting your psyche and your and your mentality -- to game you're gonna get hit accept that and solid idea that the biggest biggest drawback we have going on right now.

We you know what -- it's not just hockey I mean watch Major League Baseball game if there's an inside pitch now guys wanna block to the month. I'm serious he only got hit a guy now.

Doubt that other WW factor. You know sometimes I know I I like I love baseball I don't I love -- about watches when winter sports but then again there's there's aspects of every sport we have our own we have our own actions -- that's -- and the prospect of football I can't stand when alignment. You know he's sacked the quarterback and you run ten yards downfield with norm not the teammates parents -- dance flick that's if you paid big shot to get back in -- can export to export should be we -- sportsmanship and and and it goes across the board all -- board.

And I know it's not your -- it's not your head but should Marc Savard sit out the rest of the year.

Not because you need a -- I would I would -- you have great doctors have. -- Mass. General doctors everybody involved are smart people there they went to school for. Umpteen years to qualify it and be able to accept these players sold. The relationship between a player and a doctor is essential I think those guys have a group or the players and Marc Savard who communicate to doctors or not he can't it can't go he's competitive guy no doctor -- want a guy isn't isn't. Is a bill that'll easily consult with the guys not really. Excited about getting back pieces -- you're playing as if he doesn't have any apprehension about going out there and take not at that level playing. You know he's. He understands that this is his career players understand so it is he has reservations about stuff about the reduction. Communicate that the coaches and and accept the fact about the state of affairs if it doesn't exist and -- blow up there. And he understands or if you've taken a step of the.

It's funny because we were talking about that in another arena just a few minutes ago we were talking about Jay Cutler. Where where. Current players in the NFL are calling his courage and the question not they don't have the medical degrees they're not on the sidelines and yet they know we should have been playing on Sunday.

Night actually that the sport I love. That up for me I think you're the takeover situations in the past few that you know what you you never know. You can never discount what happens in the locker room what communication goes on between the player record and trying to and the coast teams -- his best. Chance of winning is removing their quarterback is his mobility is no compromised then and -- got to do it and so it's if you really -- and what becomes out of -- says like hey listen we consult that it didn't work out well for our team because that we -- should be -- decision I made that Cutler was was. No handicap him in this situation that got accepted yelling it's looking first. More sports especially football is the team's first game and you got to accept the fact that if he doesn't feel like he's going to be effective out there. This is her last game potentially you know you've you've got to give your team the best best chance -- Cutler's decision what I can do what what what is in my job description. In -- in the in the NFC championship game then more power to.

Parents straight up. Real talk here in game seven cup finals you have -- in seal spray --

Actually game five I got knocked out cold by graphic Torres. In 2000 sex and but now the lakers no longer there so I can't control -- I knew that the rule was -- go back any ice. But an -- baseline tests for. I think it's a minimum it's several weeks so. I got out there in the third period -- has left and I do government reported third period over and over time. Well played game five. And I play game six in game seven and during the entire time through the game six I could not remember I kept thinking it was a good again and tie it up out of the Italian name it hit me with a funny but it turn voters for it so that if it's almost things you get soaking chances that those up for him up again you go back to -- What to make up for the player and and how conflict field playing and and under the circumstance and all but some guys it's up for me it was ago. I'm 3433. At that time I'm realizing. I had the last time I played 1998 about 20068 years ago left and got situation now what we give up that opportunity yet.

Now that you're retired and look back on it do you think. What was I -- and.

I think boy was I stupid but you know what boy -- like the fact that I survived got through it might have that memory and I was out in game seven. And a couple. Don't want him and I'll call the -- game seven I feel like I had an affect them out on not to on a series so.

I always ask this question about any sport. At what point you decide that X percent of Aaron Ward is better than a 100% of the guy who would replace Aaron -- X percent of Jay Cutler was better than. You know god knows a 100% I guess of Todd Collins or or --

Now it pains me that thought can't came up so short intermediate -- guy went to school he was there and out ballot churn or even though like -- the Packers gonna -- It'll open for success for him but I think that's clean and I don't wanna work -- in coach and player the coach will communicate you know where do you stand. You know you're 7%. Compared to a guy that's maybe you're separate defenseman. And that's something that you on the court make decision on or it's got your hands and you -- you know what I'm evaluating your practice you cannot get it done just that -- alone. Which is Celtic because the situation and you're really gonna fall in -- and yet except that but you know I. I wouldn't circumstance and it was one of those ones where I felt like I I could have some effectiveness and the other thing is he can't discount the fact that. Some of the veterans of plan of circumstances. How those experiences so it's not always coming down to skills and and performance can be some of the technology passed on a presence you.

Isn't it fear -- Are too afraid if I sit down in the sky takes my place and he plays well maybe it'll be harder for me to get back in -- seventeen years of -- I think -- you played -- rewrite.

Yet it it is that situation because it is a business -- don't come into the game and -- and -- features helpful to gulf -- related you know what. It comes on a more -- if it comes down to what skill and the organization really like. In the -- who is easy are you just kind of player get the personality you want locker room do you have the skill set that he thinks he needs somebody it's it's all these valuation of -- so. No it I would think to myself noticed they escaped an organization that regret not having -- but I think it USF players -- how would that you've got away. There are already high school political. Are you the word garbage. That import export the that's how -- happened and so. Oftentimes you can feel like general managers were recommending -- scouting staff colossal player but when it comes -- it. He wasn't -- maybe because. Finally he came in the one -- didn't particularly like that schoolers or that organization and major junior and it's and it's weird sometimes out of work I'm not saying it happens all the time I'm saying in a rare occasion that is circumstance sometimes.

They're looking back control team of this is for the fans here listening. -- your old team compete and why can they compete for cup.

compare Boston right now to yeah the -- red rings of OpenId. So it's it's seems as though you have you have the novatel blocker but I mean I can't be disputed. Circumstance that that where you know you used to. To Philly last last year -- very odd and oddly. Much like. Detroit lost to Colorado the year before and it was 9596. You have the basis of telling of the foundation an organization they're they've been heading in the right direction for awhile now. Sometimes is that hurdle and and so -- schedule as as much of the -- here that can get monotonous you know. You know what it takes to win these games you position yourself well sometimes is just luck of the run in the playoffs I think that some guys -- Maybe they're looking ahead what we -- yourself in the playoffs the great sign for the for the for the Boston Bruins right now is. You have to -- and that it says the best problem format for management I mean look it up and up at a Washington Capitals team that has no reverse and Harlem -- It's noble young. And so when you look at. We're gonna wanna playoff. You don't have a conference that he's gone through that that trying time and experience of playing playoff what Tim Thomas and cigarettes to caress his. Has got a -- my experience has been some problems for awhile he's. He's been with the team for lots of promises an outstanding all year and raft without stating last year and again and getting less and opportunity that you template -- But that is the best problem to have -- the playoffs to -- forever that question went well -- how to goaltending you know. -- Vancouver last year Longo came up flat. And this year Vancouver has the same same circumstances Boston. Who want don't try to play outstanding sort of comforting -- be going in the playoffs with with with its situation.

it's always fun to talk cocky with it thanks for taken a few minutes -- probably thought you take care. That is -- former Boston Bruins defenseman Aaron -- You probably could figure out that these these kind of taken his career and out of the next step absolute I've seen -- he's great there -- he's he's doing radio games Carolina as you can probably imagine he's pretty good there as well. He's he's has always been an interesting in and thoughtful got to talk to about a lot of different things and he's pretty good at that stuff.

Follow all the Texans agree with you about wages while they have they want him on every week weekly dale left complacent view at 6177. Definitely 6 once I am.