Anxious,Nervous,Anxiety and Joy....those were the feelings I felt as My uncle Drove me to Anaheim. As I enter Orange County I though about past 14 years and how this team has gone from Expansion team with Funny name to a Team contending for the Stanley Cup not Once.....But Twice. after half and hr I saw it....Honda Center FKA Arrowhead Pond. I was taken back by the Arena...It's size was Magnificent in my Eyes which was popping out by then..Checking into the Ayres Inn I got a room with view of the Honda Centre at the 3rd level of Hotel across of the Honda....Deep down I knew I made the Right choice as My Uncle and Dad left I felt so much emotions through me...happiness,Pride,Joy and alot more. I Contacted a Friend I have mad via Ducks Message Board while in my room as I stare at the Honda Centre speaking with so much Joy I think he was either surprise or perhaps expect enthusiasm from a Canadian up North..I had to pinch myself few times and let it sink in I was actually going to see the team I have love,Appreciated and has been My escape while Growing in Nova Scotia.
Many of you know who read know all too well bout my passion for this team and recording each Accomplishment from year to year since Anaheim Ducks were founded in 1993. For those 14 Years I did everything possible to keep track of the team...From watching it late night to listening via Internet Radio all the way to watching Higlights of the games during Ducks First 5 years. Anyways I went down to the Lobby to meet my friend and his family who we will call Z. anticipation add in with my introverts makes me jumpy abit....as I waited I though of the games I watch from the First on CBC where the Ducks won 3-1 over Toronto to epic games of 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now seeing the team Live was dream come true for someone who has a Passionate Zealous of Hockey and Ducks in General...What Can I say I am Passionate. I lost track of time when a Car pulled up. Z introduce himself to me we shook hands..He introduce me to his Daughter and his younger son along with a Companion of his Daughter. As we drove we talk Hockey from the Players to the Ducks and NHL Itself..He Inform me of what Locals call Honda Centre..."Honda Ponda or Ponda" as they call it. Thinking about it now in Halifax Nova Scotia that name makes me smile during that car ride to the OC Grill. First west Coast Beer I tried was Belgian Blue Moon. Pretty Good Beer along with later Dos Equis I develop a Good taste in Beer and Craft Beer like JT Schmidts IPA and I always consider those 2 the Best along with JT Schmidt's Microbrewery.
Before we arrive at the Ponda Me Z and Z's Kids arrive at another place where I met other Ducks Fans who correspondence at Ducks Message Board...at least dozen or so...I was overwhelm but I put up smile and was happy to meet each and talk to them bout Ducks Hockey and interest non-Hockey related. 2 People stand out DNC and CL....Bout Ducks Fans bout who I consider to this day as with Z as Friends Who I think about and talk to from time to time. IMHO it felt great Meeting these people who consider my friends was eye opening experience. I never met so much kindness especially with those who share My love for Anaheim Ducks and Hockey itself......We took a Picture me,Z,DNC,CL and few others. I am trying to remember that place..for it was there Z gave me a Gift. 2007 Anaheim Ducks Home Uniform....It was Black I quickly put it on as we drove to the Ponda.....
What can I say about the Ponda.....Honda Centre,Pond or Honda Ponda one thing that made me be in awe was the fact each step I took it was almost like a Dream a living one at best. I ran up and Kiss the Feet of Wild Wing Statue....reason for that...I really Don't know Z was gracious enough to take a Picture of me and the Wild Wing Statue while others waited. I still have that Photo and looking at it now that day was the Best day of my Life.
Entering the Ponda was something that I never would expect to Locals your Arena is Beautiful and special but to me Personally and I believe others feel it too there was sense of something special about it..Entering through the Mains doors Walking and seeing it for the first time............There was a Sense of something special that Night. There was also a sense of Reverence and Gathering place of the People........... Call me crazy or delusion but to me walking through the concourse from place to place. Taking pictures from Guy Hebert Exhibit honoring his service to the Duck Cause to the Banners flying high which at that time had Mighty Ducks 2003 Western Conference Championship Banner,Inaugural Year Banner and Mighty Decade Banner....It was a sacred placed
Once the Puck Drop I took My seat in the First Period in the 2nd and 3rd. I sat next 2 Z and His Son.
Game was Glorious,Exciting and I say again...I met other Ducks Fans I correspondent and talk on Ducks Message Board...all I become good friends. I was deeply Humble they put up a Ducks Message for me...flatterly and Humble...Game was everything I knew of the team. Hardhitting,fast pace from pregame to the end I took it all in for the Ducks won that Night in a Big way. 5-1 over Edmonton....
After the game I met with my friends at a Place called the Old Number 7 Man oh Man How i love the Atomsphere i Can remeber it all one thing I remember well was the getting Autograph of Bryzgalov,Ric Jackman and Meeting Brian Burke......He is Big I mean REALLY Big. attending the post game show with Steve Carrol and Brent Severyn was special these 2 I hear their Voices on Internet radio...Carrol was kind enough to give me a Media Guid...Still have it to this Day.
After the game CL and DNC treated for dinner...late night VERY LATE night I was quiet cause I was still taking it all in....Once they drop me off at Ayres I thank and told them I will meet them again...back in the Hotel I cried not of sadness but Tears of Joy it was first time I was treated with such Kindness it made me rethink everything bout the world I see.....For now tommorow I lay in bed planning for the Next day...TBC.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
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