Ducks Hockey:20 Years ago this week

I remember as if it was yesterday...Dec 10th 1992 it was announce the NHL would grow to 2 teams 1 in Florida another in Anaheim which makes California having 3 teams in the NHL. One thing I remember was feeling curious that a team named after Movie was going to become reality. People would laugh at the name and hearing what people say "Hockey would never work in America especially in California". As that day approach marking 20 years of Ducks being in the NHL I cannot help but reflect on the past years and seasons....Not to mention the Lockouts that have occurred. Including This one in 2012-2013 which threatens to delay What I feel is a Anniversary our Ducks especially Ducks Fans should celebrate. Yet we are awaiting what will happen after this Lockout 3rd in 8 years will end. There are moments that we cherish over the years from the Stanley Cup Victory to the first win be it season or post season to MVP awarded to Corey Perry. our team has battle through adversity,overcame all odds stacked against and yet we endure. When Franchise was awarded to the Ducks I felt it was a team that I can get behind on even though those Unis from the movie was ugly. However as the months past with debut of the Mighty Ducks Logo and Colors and expansion Draft results it laid foundation for what was to come. If I had regrets standing behind the team I say no. For those 20 years it made me realize that Hockey was for everyone no matter where they are from and who they are. It should Never EVER be excluded to one nationality. Thus If one asks why I like the Ducks it's cause of the Newness of their Identity which was Unique to this very day and the Players they drafted,Traded and of course Signed. My Passion for them that started that day lead me to visit Orange County, Meet new Friends and realize that Hockey can grow in a Non-traditional market we made enemies on the ice be it Detroit,LA,Vancouver,Edmonton,Calgary and Toronto not to mention Nashville who remains a thorn on our side. But off the Ice I have come to respect fans who maybe Detroit or LA and even Toronto. What matters is this as we look back at our Unique Past we must NEVER FORGET what draws in and never forget those Off-Ice Personal who make the fan experience positive be it Powerplayers,Wild Wing,Ducks Street team all the way to the retail store clerks and cashiers. These are the Ducks personal that are important to the ground game as the Players. As Much as we blame both owners and players we cannot lose sight or Interest into the fact Lockout is OUT of our team's control. However as much there is defeatism going On I still a season can be saved. Better to have a short season then no season. As for this historic moment I give toast to all Ducks Fans within Ducks Nation be it Orange County,Helsinki and yes Canada for 20 years and hope the next 20 will be a blessing for the Ducks Cause. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck