It was nearly a decade ago that Troy Ward successfully recruited Ben Street to the University of Wisconsin.
Next season, he may finally get to coach him.
Street, a 25-year-old Coquitlam native, signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Abbotsford Heat's NHL parent club, the Calgary Flames, last week. Should he end up playing close to home with the Heat, he'd see a familiar face behind the bench.
"I recruited Ben to the University of Wisconsin from the BCHL [where he starred with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks], and about the time he got there, I left to pursue another opportunity," Heat head coach Ward told Black Press. "We've been in contact over the years, and I've worked with him in the summers, training with him."
For Street, it will be nice to have the opportunity to play closer to home and for likely a guy with whom he's most familiar in Ward.
"He's a great developer," Street told Black Press on his cell phone Wednesday from Madison, Wis. "His methods don't just click with me, but with other guys, too. His motto is 'I'm the teacher, you're the coach.' He teaches you how to do things but you've got to figure it out on your own."
After playing out his NCAA eligibility with the Wisconsin Badgers, Street began his pro career in 2010-11 with the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers. Ward helped pave the way for the five-foot-11, 185-pound centre to move up to the AHL, putting in a good word for Street with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins coach John Hynes.
Street excelled with the Pittsburgh Penguins' affiliate, notching 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points in 36 games to finish out the 2010-11 campaign, and posting 27-30-57 in 71 games last season.
With the Flames retooling after missing the playoffs for a third straight year, Street believes his chances of making their parent club eventually are better than they seemed with the talent-rich Penguins.
"That was one of my biggest reasons for my decision [to sign with the Flames]," Street said. "I really like my chances in terms of moving up. I have nothing but good things to say about the Penguins' organization but there wasn't a whole lot of room there, especially down the middle. With me being a centre man, I think I'll have a better opportunity with the Flames."
Ward had minimal input on the Flames' decision to sign Street when he hit free agency on July 1, but he believes his best days are ahead, based on his increased offensive output as a second-year AHLer.
"Ben's got a really good feel for the game, both offensively and defensively," Ward said. "He's really good on faceoffs, and he can play on the penalty kill and the power play. His shot is very much an NHL shot."
Street's father, Rob, told Black Press earlier Wednesday he's ecstatic over the prospect of seeing his son play more in living colour only a one-hour drive or so down the freeway.
"It's really exciting," Rob said. "He's worked really hard to get this opportunity and hopefully it will be the next step for him to get to the big leagues."
Ben plans to drive with his girlfriend and dog from Wisconsin next week to train for the rest of summer in the Vancouver area before attending the Flames' training camp in September, and likely joining the Heat after that.
"Abbotsford's about as close to home since I played junior in Salmon Arm," Ben said. "My parents' travel budget will be cut down considerably."
- with files from Dan Kinvig/Abbotsford News
