Joel Ward talks Ravens win and Super Bowl

Ward

(Photo via Washington Capitals)

Capitals forward Joel Ward, even though he isn’t from Maryland, has followed the Baltimore Ravens for quite some time.

How does a guy from Toronto become a fan of a team from a city he’d never visited prior to signing with the Capitals?

“I was a big Ray Lewis fan,” said Ward. “Forever.”

Ward said what attracted him to the Ravens was their defensive style of play, reminiscent of his own on the ice. “I consider myself a defensive-style forward and I took a liking right away to their defense and the way they play over the years,” Ward said, “and I just kind of followed them more and more.”

Being in D.C., Ward has gotten a chance to finally watch his favorite team in action.  “I got a chance to see about six or seven games now,” he said.

With Ward being a Ravens fan and teammate John Carlson, a Patriots fan, it was only natural that a rivalry grew between the two when both of their chosen teams went up against each other in Sunday’s AFC Championship game.

Carlson was not available for comment, but it’s safe to say he wasn’t pleased with Sunday’s outcome. Ward, of course, was beaming over the win.

“I was pretty fired up for sure,” said Ward, “and John Carlson didn’t really return my phone calls after a while so I figured he was disappointed, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles.”

Ward said he watched the game at home with his neighbor, complete with nachos, dip and a big-screen TV.

The personal struggles of a few players on the team, most notably Torrey Smith, who lost his brother September of last year, makes the trip to the Super Bowl that much more meaningful to the team and its fans, including Ward. “Some of the guys have battled in their personal lives and I thought that was pretty big,” he said. ”That was good to see and I’m happy for the city of Baltimore.”

Ward predicts the Ravens will defeat the 49ers, 24-14. “Ed Reed MVP, two interceptions, one for a pick six,” he said.

The Capitals play the Penguins in D.C. on Super Bowl Sunday, and Ward said he plans to watch the from home after the game.

“I get to watch decked out in my Ravens gear. I kinda look like a groupie though, but I don’t really care.”

 

  • BaltimoreBRSRK

    Hey guys, just a factual update, Joel has most certainly visited Bmore, he attended the Orioles vs Blue Jays game the day after scoring the first round clinching OT winner last May vs Boston.

    • http://www.hockeyshopped.com Katie Brown

      I should have specified that he'd never been to Baltimore prior to signing with the Caps. I'm aware that he's been there since coming to D.C. Thanks for the heads up!