“He’s the ultimate team guy. He has a great sense of humor, everyone loved him, and he would stand up for anyone on the ice,” said former Admirals teammate Mark Van Guilder. “Off the ice he was a great example by the way he carried himself, by the way he prepared, and by the way he played every night.”

His brand of defense was gritty and very physical. His game was suited to close-quarter engagements as he would take away space from attacking forwards often by force and he also excelled on the penalty kill unit.

In his last year with the team he produced a plus/minus rating of +24– the first Admiral since the Calder Cup Championship season of 2003-04 to finish +20 or better. In his four seasons with Milwaukee he finished an impressive +42, which was far and away the best total over that span.

The native of Fort St. John, British Columbia quickly established himself as a leader on and off the ice during his four-year tenure. Ford was an alternate captain (2009-11) and team captain (2011-12) for the Admirals. He exhibited his leadership qualities on the ice by sticking up for his teammates; often going toe-to-toe with some of the best heavyweights in the AHL.

Off the ice, Ford often enjoyed spending time with his teammates. He looked after younger members of the team and led by example.

Better known for his work in his opponent’s zone, Ford also chipped in on the offensive end of the ice. While with the Admirals he totaled 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points.

Ford made the tough decision to leave Milwaukee in the most recent offseason and signed with the St. Louis Blues and subsequently team captain of the Peoria Rivermen. This is the fifth AHL team he has played for in his career: Cleveland Barons, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Providence Bruins, Admirals and Rivermen.