Dillon Ward Bio
Dillon James Ward is a Canadian professional lacrosse goaltender who currently plays for the Colorado Mammoth in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Philadelphia Waterdogs in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Standing 6 ft 5 in tall and weighing 200 lb, Ward has built a reputation as one of the top netminders in the sport since entering professional lacrosse in 2013. He gained recognition for his outstanding performances in college, professional, and international competition, earning honors such as Rookie of the Year and selections to All-World and All-Pro teams.
Born in Orangeville, Ontario, Ward developed into a premier goaltender through years of junior, collegiate, and professional play. He won a World Lacrosse Championship with Team Canada in 2014 and captured the NLL Championship with the Colorado Mammoth in 2022, when he was also named Finals Most Valuable Player.
Dillon Ward Early Life and Background
Early Life and Background
Dillon James Ward was born on March 28, 1991, in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada. He was raised by his father, Kent, a minister with the United Church of Canada, and his mother, Patricia, a lawyer. Growing up in a small Ontario town, Ward found his athletic calling in lacrosse, a sport with deep roots in the region.
Ward attended The Hill Academy in Vaughan, Ontario, a private school well known for developing elite lacrosse talent. There, he sharpened the technical and tactical skills that would eventually carry him to the highest levels of the sport. He later earned a Communications degree from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, balancing his academic work with a demanding Division I lacrosse schedule.
Path to Professional Lacrosse
Ward played for the Orangeville Northmen Junior A team from 2008 to 2012. During that span, the Northmen reached the provincial finals in each of his five seasons, won four provincial championships, and captured three Minto Cup national titles. Ward earned Junior Goalie of the Year and Junior Player of the Year from Inside Lacrosse magazine in 2010, won the Robert Melville Memorial Award as the top Junior A goalie in 2008, 2009, and 2011, and was named Most Valuable Player of the Minto Cup Tournament in 2012. He also led Team Ontario to the U19 Canadian Field Championships title in 2009, taking tournament MVP honors.
His junior success positioned him for the 2013 drafts. The Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks selected him fourth overall in the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) entry draft, while the Colorado Mammoth picked him third overall in the NLL entry draft. He played for the Kodiaks during the 2013 and 2014 MSL seasons before concentrating on indoor and outdoor professional leagues.
Dillon Ward Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Ward played in net for the Bellarmine Knights from 2010 to 2013 in NCAA Division I lacrosse. Over four seasons, he appeared in 53 games and started 43, steadily improving into one of the conference’s most reliable goalies. He finished his senior season leading NCAA Division I in save percentage at .662 and earned a Tewaaraton Trophy nomination.
In 2013, Ward was named a Third Team All-American, a First Team All-ECAC selection, and the ECAC Goalie of the Year. He set Bellarmine career records for wins (19), saves (576), save percentage (.567), and goals against average (9.97), along with single-season records for saves (208), save percentage (.662), and goals against average (7.68). In 2020, he was recognized as Bellarmine’s player of the decade for men’s lacrosse, the program’s first-ever All-American.
Major League Lacrosse Era (2013–2019)
The Ohio Machine drafted Ward in the 2013 MLL Collegiate Draft and traded him to the Hamilton Nationals, where he played during the 2013 regular season and the 2013 Championship Weekend semi-finals. After Hamilton suspended operations, Ward’s rights moved to the Florida Launch. On December 17, 2014, the Denver Outlaws acquired Ward from Florida in exchange for Charlie Cipriano, Curtis Dickson, and draft picks, beginning his longest MLL tenure.
Premier Lacrosse League Era (2020–Present)
On March 10, 2020, Ward was announced as one of sixteen players transferring from MLL to the newly formed Premier Lacrosse League. Six days later, he was selected seventh overall by Chaos in the PLL Entry Draft. Ward served as a backup during the 2020 season as Chaos lost in the championship game. On April 30, 2021, he was traded from Chaos to the Philadelphia Waterdogs in exchange for Wesley Berg and a first-round pick in the 2022 College Draft.
National Lacrosse League Era (2014–Present)
The Colorado Mammoth selected Ward third overall in the 2013 NLL Entry Draft. He joined the active roster in 2014 and earned the starting job, winning Inside Lacrosse Rookie of the Year honors and an NLL All-Rookie Team selection. On September 18, 2014, the Mammoth signed him to a five-year contract. Ward was named a Second Team All-Pro in 2016, a First Team All-Pro and NLL Goaltender of the Year in 2017, and a Second Team All-Pro in 2018.
In 2022, Ward led the Colorado Mammoth to the NLL Championship, recording 55 saves in the decisive Game 3, a finals record, and earning Finals MVP honors. Heading into the 2023 NLL season, Inside Lacrosse named him the top goalie in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ward is known for his combination of size, lateral quickness, and composure under pressure. He reads shooters well, communicates effectively with his defense, and has a track record of producing standout performances in big games, including championship finals and international gold-medal matches.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ward represented Team Canada at the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championship in Denver, starting all seven games and helping Canada defeat the United States 8–5 in the gold-medal game. He was named Outstanding Goalie, All-World Team, and tournament MVP, becoming the first goaltender ever to win the MVP award at the event. He has also represented Canada at the 2018 and 2013 World Lacrosse Championships and the 2019 and 2024 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, winning gold in 2014 and 2024.
Dillon Ward Career Wins
Dillon Ward has accumulated a deep list of victories across junior, collegiate, professional, and international lacrosse. His win totals include three Minto Cup national junior championships, an NCAA-leading save percentage in his senior season, an NLL Goaltender of the Year award, an NLL Championship ring, and a World Lacrosse Championship gold medal.
NLL Highlights
Ward’s NLL career began with the Colorado Mammoth in 2014, where he quickly earned the starting role. His most significant win came in 2022, when he led the Mammoth to the NLL Championship, recording 55 saves in Game 3 and earning Finals MVP. He has continued to serve as the franchise’s top goaltender into the 2025 NLL season.
Other Wins and Performances
In Major Series Lacrosse, Ward helped the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In the PLL, he has competed for the Philadelphia Waterdogs since 2021. On the international stage, Ward won gold with Canada at the 2014 World Lacrosse Championship and the 2024 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, while taking silver at the 2018 and 2023 World Lacrosse Championships.
Dillon Ward Family
Family Background and Lacrosse Lineage
Ward’s parents, Kent and Patricia Ward, raised him in Orangeville, Ontario, where lacrosse has long been a central part of community life. His father served as a minister with the United Church of Canada, while his mother worked as a lawyer. The family supported his athletic development throughout his junior career with the Orangeville Northmen.
Personal Life
Ward’s personal life details beyond his immediate family have not been widely publicized. He splits his professional time between NLL indoor play with the Colorado Mammoth and PLL outdoor play with the Philadelphia Waterdogs.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NLL season, Dillon Ward remains the starting goaltender for the Colorado Mammoth after his 2022 championship run. Inside Lacrosse has continued to rank him among the top netminders in the league, and the Mammoth are expected to rely on his veteran presence in their pursuit of another title.
In the 2025 PLL season, Ward continues his role with the Philadelphia Waterdogs, where he has been a stabilizing force since arriving via trade in 2021. His experience in high-pressure environments positions him as a key contributor to the team’s defensive structure.
Across both leagues, Ward’s blend of size, experience, and championship poise makes him a central figure for his clubs. With a full international resume that includes a 2024 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship gold medal, he remains one of the most decorated active goaltenders in the sport.
