Cole McWard Bringing Calder Cup Experience to Bridgeport

Dec 11, 2025

By: Tucker Terranova 

Seven minutes and 11 seconds into the Bridgeport Islanders’ home opener, Cole McWard didn’t waste a second introducing himself as a key piece of the Islanders’ blue line. Capitalizing on a loose puck in front of the Providence Bruins’ net, McWard scored his first goal of the season, giving Bridgeport an early 2-0 lead. 

For the 24-year-old defenseman, that kind of impact has become expected. McWard brings not only offensive skill and a reliable two-way game to Bridgeport, but also championship experience, which has helped shape the team’s culture this season. 

Last year, McWard won a Calder Cup with the Abbotsford Canucks, making him the only player in Bridgeport’s opening-night lineup with an AHL title and one of just two current Islanders with a Calder Cup in their career, alongside Julien Gauthier. That experience in high-stakes games carries over every night, as McWard helps set the tone on and off the ice. 

“I think winning instills something in your brain where you want to do it more,” McWard said. “I got to see how winners go about their business and how they play when the game is on the line. Everyone bought into the game plan and focused on what was in front of them each day.” 

McWard’s journey to professional hockey began in Missouri, where he credits his older brother for getting him into the sport. From there, he developed through the USHL with the Tri-City Storm before committing to Ohio State, a school he had his sights on from the start of the recruiting process. 

“I loved the idea of going to a Big Ten school and also loved their finance program,” McWard said. “I wanted to go somewhere I fit into the team and could make an impact, and they really emphasized their player development plan for me.” 

At Ohio State, McWard thrived, posting 36 points over 73 games in two seasons. The experience of playing in the competitive Big Ten prepared him for the professional ranks, teaching him what it takes to succeed at the next level. 

Just two days after Ohio State fell in the NCAA Regional Finals to eventual champion Quinnipiac, McWard received the call he’d dreamed of: the Vancouver Canucks offered him a contract.  

“That was the craziest month or so of my life,” he said. “I went from trying to win a national championship to signing an NHL contract in the span of hours. Just getting to suit up and experience what it’s like in the NHL was surreal.” 

McWard notched his first NHL goal on April 8, 2023 against the Calgary Flames, with now-Islander Ethan Bear as his defense partner. The following three seasons were spent in Abbotsford where he recorded 43 points in 124 games, culminating with a Calder Cup victory over the Charlotte Checkers last June. 

Now with the Islanders, McWard has reunited with Ohio State teammate and close friend Cam Thiesing, who has helped him settle into his new surroundings.  

“Cam is one of my best friends and is going to be a part of my wedding next summer. Living with him my freshman year at Ohio State made it great to reunite here. He’s well-liked on the team and really helped me become acclimated.” 

That comfort has translated to on-ice success. McWard is currently tied for second on the team in points and on pace for 51, nearly doubling his previous AHL career high of 26, while ranking tied for eighth among all AHL defensemen with 12 points. 

“Playing a few seasons now has helped slow the game down,” McWard said. “You have more confidence and can trust your instincts. The coaches have done a great job pointing out parts of my game that might get overlooked: things beyond goals and assists, like defensive coverage or positioning.” 

With championship experience, steady play and an offensive spark from the blue line, McWard is focused on leading Bridgeport deep into the playoffs while keeping his sights on the NHL. 

“I think having the experience of making it to the NHL already has given me a hunger to make it back. I know that is where I want to be.”