I want to Represent YOU on TEAM U.S.A. HOCKEY in Vancouver 2010!!!!!
Height: 5-11 / Weight: 208 / Shoots: Left
Born: Baudette, Minnesota / Draft: 2002 - 1st round (11th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres
2006-07 SEASON NOTES: 10/11/06 - Underwent surgery on his right hand after blocking a shot during the Phoenix Coyotes game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 9, 2006. Ballard is expected to miss the next 4-5 weeks.
CAREER NOTES: 2004-05: In 1st pro season, recorded 2-18-20 and 88 PIM in 60 games with Utah (AHL)…Among team defensemen, tied for team lead in assists and ranked 2nd in points…Played for PlanetUSA at 2005 AHL All-Star Game…2003-04: Named to NCAA West First All-American Team…One of the finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award…Named to WCHA First All-Star Team (2nd consecutive season)…Ranked 4th on Minnesota in points, T-2nd in assists, T-3rd in PPG (6), 3rd in shots (120)…Finished T-6th in the entire NCAA in GWG (5)…Led team in PIM…Earned John Mariucci MVP award by a vote of his teammates…Finished career at Minnesota 7th on the school's all-time list for goals by a defenseman (33) and 11th in points by a defenseman (100)…In April, represented USA at 2004 World Championships, earning a bronze medal with 1 goal in 8 games and was the only NCAA player on the roster…2002-03: Helped Minnesota capture 2nd consecutive NCAA championship…Named to WCHA First All-Star Team…Named to NCAA West Regional All-Tournament Team…Named to WCHA Final Five All-Tournament Team…Played in all 45 games…Ranked 4th in the nation in goals and assists among defensemen…Finished 3rd on team in points…Ranked 3rd in WCHA in defensemen scoring…2001-02: Helped Minnesota capture NCAA championship…Named to WCHA All-Rookie Team…Finished 9th in team scoring and 10th among WCHA rookies…Represented USA at 2002 World Junior Championships, recording 1-1-2 in 7 GP…Named runner-up for WCHA Rookie of the Week honors (Jan. 28-Feb. 3)…2000-01: Named to USHL First All-Star Team…Helped Omaha Lancers capture USHL national junior championship…Ranked 2nd among USHL's top scoring defensemen and 13th overall…For 2nd consecutive season, participated in USA Hockey Summer Challenge (‘00 & ‘01)…Represented USA at 2000 Under-18 World Championships (1-1-2 in 6 GP)…1999-00: A graduate of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, finished as the top scoring defenseman on the under-18 squad…1998-99: Minnesota All-State High School selection.
