Back in hockey, Ward hopes to shine in HIL

Sam Ward can easily be spotted on a hockey turf, wading past defenders as a skater would glide on ice, but what really sets the 33-year-old apart is his mask.

- Sandip Sikdar

The English drag-flicker sports it to protect his eyes and upper face after an injury left him blind in one eye and almost ended his career.

In November 2019, Ward was hit by an 80kmph shot during an Olympic qualifier against Malaysia. While Ward's brace took Great Britain to Tokyo, it sent him off the turf for a year-and-a-half. He had facial fractures and a crushed retina. He underwent multiple surgeries with most experts ruling out a return to the sport. But Ward refused to give up.

With no central vision in one eye, Ward compensated with his speed and skills. His scoring abilities and will made the impossible happen in May 2021 when he turned for England in a Pro League match against Germany. Two months later, he was selected for the GBR squad for the Tokyo Olympics, marking a remarkable comeback story.