Former Canes defenseman Aaron Ward arrested in Cary

Former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward was arrested in Cary on Friday and charged with assault on a female, a misdemeanor, after an altercation with his wife.

According to Cary police, Ward’s wife Kelly called 911 from their home in MacGregor Downs. Aaron Ward was also charged with interfering with emergency communication, another misdemeanor, after taking his wife’s phone, according to a magistrate’s order that described the assault as “pushing her.”

By law, Ward is being held in Wake County jail until at least Sunday. He has a court date scheduled for Monday.

Kelly Ward was initially cited for misdemeanor simple assault and released, but the charge was rescinded later Friday.

Aaron Ward, 42, retired from the NHL in 2010 and is now a hockey analyst for Canadian sports network TSN.

“We are aware of the situation and the very serious charges that have been laid against Aaron Ward,” TSN director of communications Greg McIsaac wrote in an email. “As a result, we can confirm he will not appear on-air until further notice.”

Ward played 13 seasons in the NHL, five of those with the Hurricanes in two different stints from 2001-06 and 2009-10. He was a member of the two greatest teams in franchise history, the 2006 Stanley Cup championship team and the 2002 Eastern Conference championship team. He also played for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Anaheim Ducks.

A native of Ottawa, Ward remained a Cary resident after he left the Hurricanes as a free agent in 2006.

The Hurricanes, who have several alumni events planned this season surrounding the 10th anniversary of the Stanley Cup win, declined to comment.

This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 6:24 PM with the headline "Former Canes defenseman Aaron Ward arrested in Cary."