I remember as if it was yesterday coming to SoCal...My mind was full of what People in Orange County was like. Sometimes i wonder what they are like? are they like on TV or what i hear from people I met in University or in my Hometown.......I left Nova Scotia wondering curious bout the People and how they perceive the Sport and team I love. I have follow the Ducks most of my life. 14 years from 1993 to 2007 when i made that trip. Flying into LAX meeting my Uncle who wanted meet my dad after he retired....he offer to drive me to O.C while him and My Dad catch up on old times. Setting foot in Ayres Inn looking out across the Ponda it made me giddy and full of joy. Whatever anxious moments and nervousness I had was erased by kindness of one man and his family. They treated me well as a equal and I appreciated their generosity that I still to this day wonder how they are doing. Living in Idaho i am not sure what is like one thing is certain i always in their debt for showing me kindness.
Games I attended now are like a old hat to me...Felt like Home. 5 years ago i was awestruck, Hyperventilating and at times can't stop smiling. Getting the autographs and seeing them live change how i view Players and Other Ducks Fans. I feel those local Ducks fans are blessed and never should take things for granted. i know this since I meet folks like Kyle,Stefanie,Larry and Vicky. Flying to and from John Wayne I always wonder if I can live there...find a place to live,get a job and work for the Ducks. A Dream any Canadian kid has.
My experience in 2007 and for past five year made me appreciated and feel very humble. While i attended the 3 Ducks games I contemplated and though of the future and of many things in regards to the team those nights....I though of the past and the present and of the future. I though of the players who wore the Ducks D and Ducks Duck Mask before....I though players who are waiting in the wing and Ducks Legend who has become one of the team's all time Greats. When a Fan such as Myself looks back and forward he knows what it means to be Dedicated.
Often they need to take it a step back... "Dumb it down" as someone I tolerated told me tonite. Knowing what the future holds I stand by what I say when I want the Ducks to Finish strong. If they finish no higher then 12Th so be it. As for the Draft and Draft Lottery I will be watching it But I know a team that is fiscally Responsible and truly a team that is slowly allowing the New Blood to adjust to their duties will do find. Personally I will take a step back and try to get a true understand of My place in Ducks Nation!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
My Ducks Roadtrip:5 years later part1
Five years....5 years and at times it seem like yesterday I set foot in O.C to see the team I love so dear and follow since 1993. 5 years of tolerating so called "Experts", Predictions and at times expectations.....Five years of enjoying atmosphere,meeting Ducks Fans and talking Hockey. Sometimes I listen and read bout how others see the "Big Picture" or "Little Picture". But often i wonder bout "The Picture" in regards to the Future and Ducks Nation as whole. Everything change since my life changing trip and when i arrive at John Wayne it felt like I never left. I was hope to see the Ducks and look around. Be it the Mission at SJC or Beaches and places in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
One thing that never changes is the Ducks....seeing the Ponda getting a upgrade and going through a Reno not to mention this edition of the team going through a Rough Phase I am hopeful for the future.....Watching them beat Detroit was something special cept for the fact they lose to LA and Detroit. I felt mellow and happy and I had opportunity to meet two ladies who i was taken aback by their beauty both mother and daughter Let's call them B and K, I was well speechless what to say to women but i always be respectful especially to those...well never mind back to the topic at hand. It seems clear there are flaws our Ducks need to look at.
One of them is scoring Depth and watching the 3 games There is need to fix the Depth by strengthen it through FA's this off season. Of course the Ducks are developing within in players like Bonino,Palmerei,Beleskey and DSP. I am confident they will provide the depth need for years to come....But we cannot rely on them too much since veteran guidance is a vital need to get our team towards restoring honor and achieving greatness once more.
When one experience change when has look at few things on how not only the Ducks but Ducks Fans evolve...It was not long ago we were scorned by other NHL Fans including Purists on the East Coast and parts of Canada....But many Ducks Fans and knowledge they posses is a plus let alone many have become wiser on the Ducks Path this year and maybe the Next. Most certainty 12-13 is very important due in part it will mark 20 years of Ducks Hockey and the Cause it created among Ducks Fans. It made think bout this team and Fans I met in the past five years....I reflected so much on people from Zaleski Family,Munni,Chris,Big JT,Kyle,Vicky and Brianna and her mother Kim. I will not lie to anyone but going to see the Ducks in 2007 and now 2012 and perhaps following years made me re think everything I knew of the world of Hockey and the Ducks as a whole.
Perhaps it was the kindness and honest approach folks like Ian and Jim have or positives many have in the team and outspoken that i have endure and honor to talking over these years....When you see Orange County you know they are bless with not only the Ducks But Angels Baseball...Jiu Jitsu,Night Life and other areas like Beaches and music. I know My passions get the best of me but flying back at night 10 days ago staying up all night i reflect on many moments I had there....what do I think?. I will let you all know in Part2.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
One thing that never changes is the Ducks....seeing the Ponda getting a upgrade and going through a Reno not to mention this edition of the team going through a Rough Phase I am hopeful for the future.....Watching them beat Detroit was something special cept for the fact they lose to LA and Detroit. I felt mellow and happy and I had opportunity to meet two ladies who i was taken aback by their beauty both mother and daughter Let's call them B and K, I was well speechless what to say to women but i always be respectful especially to those...well never mind back to the topic at hand. It seems clear there are flaws our Ducks need to look at.
One of them is scoring Depth and watching the 3 games There is need to fix the Depth by strengthen it through FA's this off season. Of course the Ducks are developing within in players like Bonino,Palmerei,Beleskey and DSP. I am confident they will provide the depth need for years to come....But we cannot rely on them too much since veteran guidance is a vital need to get our team towards restoring honor and achieving greatness once more.
When one experience change when has look at few things on how not only the Ducks but Ducks Fans evolve...It was not long ago we were scorned by other NHL Fans including Purists on the East Coast and parts of Canada....But many Ducks Fans and knowledge they posses is a plus let alone many have become wiser on the Ducks Path this year and maybe the Next. Most certainty 12-13 is very important due in part it will mark 20 years of Ducks Hockey and the Cause it created among Ducks Fans. It made think bout this team and Fans I met in the past five years....I reflected so much on people from Zaleski Family,Munni,Chris,Big JT,Kyle,Vicky and Brianna and her mother Kim. I will not lie to anyone but going to see the Ducks in 2007 and now 2012 and perhaps following years made me re think everything I knew of the world of Hockey and the Ducks as a whole.
Perhaps it was the kindness and honest approach folks like Ian and Jim have or positives many have in the team and outspoken that i have endure and honor to talking over these years....When you see Orange County you know they are bless with not only the Ducks But Angels Baseball...Jiu Jitsu,Night Life and other areas like Beaches and music. I know My passions get the best of me but flying back at night 10 days ago staying up all night i reflect on many moments I had there....what do I think?. I will let you all know in Part2.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
Monday, March 12, 2012
Heading to Anaheim Orange County
Five years......Five Years it seems like yesterday I choose to make a life changing and positive experience trip. Five years of predictions,expert opinions,positive thinking and honest expression of the Ducks. I always wonder whether or not if things change for the better. I think tomorrow when i arrive all i want is wins,absolute victories over 3 of the Ducks enemies this week. Sometimes I wonder whether If many in Ducks Nation forgot the past....A Past of struggles,Battles and proving ourselves time and time again. Before our First Stanley Cup Victory*Day of Great Victory*. Sometimes for me and other Ducks Fans who follow this team since Day 1 gotta look a the Picture. Not the Big Picture or Little picture.....But a Path this team is taking sometimes requires bumps in the road.
This season has shown it to be one of those bumps.Injuries,Inconsistencies,Coaching Change and Setbacks. I always wonder whether 11-12 Ducks can repeat the resilience they showed last year. But never would i expect them to fall short....That's right I said Fall shore not Defeat. One thing that makes this different when I arrive is Ducks are going guns ablazing fighting to the bitter end and not letting things get in their way.But one thing I will do is enjoy my stay and look at the sights and sounds of perhaps happiest place in earth and a place so sports diversity.
as you will read my words I know in my heart,soul this team will fight to the bitter end...Whatever happens, happens for reason. Playoffs or no Playoffs. We should all stand with this team. IF you are in Orange County California,USA,Canada,Finland,Sweden or elsewhere most important moment is standing with your team. I know things have not turn out well But our Ducks will not only BE BACK next season....But will Arise again!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
This season has shown it to be one of those bumps.Injuries,Inconsistencies,Coaching Change and Setbacks. I always wonder whether 11-12 Ducks can repeat the resilience they showed last year. But never would i expect them to fall short....That's right I said Fall shore not Defeat. One thing that makes this different when I arrive is Ducks are going guns ablazing fighting to the bitter end and not letting things get in their way.But one thing I will do is enjoy my stay and look at the sights and sounds of perhaps happiest place in earth and a place so sports diversity.
as you will read my words I know in my heart,soul this team will fight to the bitter end...Whatever happens, happens for reason. Playoffs or no Playoffs. We should all stand with this team. IF you are in Orange County California,USA,Canada,Finland,Sweden or elsewhere most important moment is standing with your team. I know things have not turn out well But our Ducks will not only BE BACK next season....But will Arise again!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Ducks need to finish strong!
Whatever happens from here till the end of the season....Our Ducks will emerge stronger. Need is for our Ducks now whether or not they earn a spot in the playoffs or not remains to be seen. However I am very confident Ducks can do this for it's in their hands be it this week or next when I see them live. This season has NOT been what we all expected from our Ducks for 11-12. I cannot tell you feelings of disappointed I have but battles this team face reminds me of the past this team face in prior seasons and years before. Injuries to key players and coaching change has shown a flaw within the Ducks that MUST be corrected in the off season. As someone who has follow this team and recorded history in a personal Ducks Book........One or 2 seasons of supposed "Slow starts" is tolerated but FIVE right now is truly a concern I have right now looking at the Ducks Hockey in 12-13.
All Offense No Defense mindset this team has shown at times did not work. Rank 23rd in Goals per game.....17th in Goals against and PK. I am trouble by this for many months. It goes without showing the Ducks need to restore,Re-vitalize and REFORM. 2007 Ducks our FIRST Stanley Cup Championship Team is OUR Gold Standard NOT Detroit or Chicago. Our Ducks need to focus on signing some D and restore system that brought our team it's First Stanley Cup....Youth, Experience and Leadership were key to the Ducks success five years ago.
It will be again I am hoping when Season concludes and Playoffs starts Ducks need to look at some Defence men who could help plus adding more new blood to help development of Fowler,Sbisa and hopefully Etem can go a long way in making the transition smooth and not rough. Following is five players I hope Ducks will pursue these five are my own choice and I think it would be wise for this team to look at signing these five or 3.
1.Ryan Suter
2.Matt Carle
3.Brad Stuart
4.Carlo Colaiacovo
5.Brad Boyes
I believe It's necessary right now for the Ducks to use what they have and not give up...Ducks Fans within Ducks Nation should not assume the worst but see this season through no matter what Happens. If the Ducks Make it then They need to make a statement when they are in the post-season...IF NOT So Be it!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
All Offense No Defense mindset this team has shown at times did not work. Rank 23rd in Goals per game.....17th in Goals against and PK. I am trouble by this for many months. It goes without showing the Ducks need to restore,Re-vitalize and REFORM. 2007 Ducks our FIRST Stanley Cup Championship Team is OUR Gold Standard NOT Detroit or Chicago. Our Ducks need to focus on signing some D and restore system that brought our team it's First Stanley Cup....Youth, Experience and Leadership were key to the Ducks success five years ago.
It will be again I am hoping when Season concludes and Playoffs starts Ducks need to look at some Defence men who could help plus adding more new blood to help development of Fowler,Sbisa and hopefully Etem can go a long way in making the transition smooth and not rough. Following is five players I hope Ducks will pursue these five are my own choice and I think it would be wise for this team to look at signing these five or 3.
1.Ryan Suter
2.Matt Carle
3.Brad Stuart
4.Carlo Colaiacovo
5.Brad Boyes
I believe It's necessary right now for the Ducks to use what they have and not give up...Ducks Fans within Ducks Nation should not assume the worst but see this season through no matter what Happens. If the Ducks Make it then They need to make a statement when they are in the post-season...IF NOT So Be it!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Ducks Final 20 games and Trade Deadline!
One can see as I do that month of march will be critical for this team to decide it's fate. No matter how we look at it our Ducks MUST not Give Up on themselves and each other. 26-25-10 62pts 4 to 6pts back of final playoff spot whatever happens here or in late March happens for a reason. Our Ducks are going through tough phase of the transition to the next generation who will take up the mental of the Ducks Cause. Will They succeed in my heart I KNOW and all Ducks Fans do this team can make it....For their fate is in their hands to hit the ground running and NOT look back. The One thing makes me is fact it feels like deja vu all over again. Last Year I was humble to fly to Orange County to see the Ducks win 2 out of 3 games. in 2 games that I saw they fought with relentless fury and determination to win in OT.
Difference now is prior to the Trade Deadline talk of Bobby Ryan Trade,Teemu Selanne Trade and others was unthinkable....at times made me think. I often ask WHAT do we get in return IF the Ducks do the unthinkable?. Why i say that is the fact the Ducks Big 3 aka RPG is vital to continuing the legacy of success Ducks have tasted and earned. Sometimes I wonder if the divide between Passionate Ducks Fans and others who call themselves experts were created due to the chaotic first months of 2011-2012 season. However I am no longer concern with this now.....IF Ducks can pull off a miracle by laying it all on the line from here till the end when I see them. I am confident they can Bring it to any team in March.
Then of course there is trade deadline. I have heard the rumors some of the far-fetch others extremely insulting. To me What needs to be done right now is the Ducks Stand Pat and NOT disrupt chemistry they to focus on getting to the Playoffs and there do whatever it takes to GO DEEP. This edition of our Ducks is flawed in the fact All Offense and No Defence mentality is our teams Achilles heel....Weakness as one say. It's true Ducks Defence has been questionable but we forget those like Fowler and Sbisa are young...Learning the Ways of Ducks Hockey that they will one day assume duties of leadership in the future. Will trade deadline help?....Not sure but it comes to a point when you ask veteran players needs to help them Beauchemin was brought over last year to add in the development of the Ducks Youth in Defence Corps. Is it possible for the Ducks to trade again?...I say know. Best they focus on Free agent frenzy then make a panic move...Trade smart and spend wisely. For all that matters I would nothing like then our Ducks to FIGHT TO THE END and give it their all for the Ducks Cause.
Difference now is prior to the Trade Deadline talk of Bobby Ryan Trade,Teemu Selanne Trade and others was unthinkable....at times made me think. I often ask WHAT do we get in return IF the Ducks do the unthinkable?. Why i say that is the fact the Ducks Big 3 aka RPG is vital to continuing the legacy of success Ducks have tasted and earned. Sometimes I wonder if the divide between Passionate Ducks Fans and others who call themselves experts were created due to the chaotic first months of 2011-2012 season. However I am no longer concern with this now.....IF Ducks can pull off a miracle by laying it all on the line from here till the end when I see them. I am confident they can Bring it to any team in March.
Then of course there is trade deadline. I have heard the rumors some of the far-fetch others extremely insulting. To me What needs to be done right now is the Ducks Stand Pat and NOT disrupt chemistry they to focus on getting to the Playoffs and there do whatever it takes to GO DEEP. This edition of our Ducks is flawed in the fact All Offense and No Defence mentality is our teams Achilles heel....Weakness as one say. It's true Ducks Defence has been questionable but we forget those like Fowler and Sbisa are young...Learning the Ways of Ducks Hockey that they will one day assume duties of leadership in the future. Will trade deadline help?....Not sure but it comes to a point when you ask veteran players needs to help them Beauchemin was brought over last year to add in the development of the Ducks Youth in Defence Corps. Is it possible for the Ducks to trade again?...I say know. Best they focus on Free agent frenzy then make a panic move...Trade smart and spend wisely. For all that matters I would nothing like then our Ducks to FIGHT TO THE END and give it their all for the Ducks Cause.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Ducks Gutcheck time
Every game is a Must Win for the Ducks! be it now or final game in April our Ducks have to do what is necessary to get the job done in earning a spot in the NHL West. Playoffs is 9 pts away. Can the Ducks do it I beleive they can....Let alone with the flaws they have at Defence Corps and times in Goal. Questions are raised but we know that if our Ducks are to make it then Collective Will is needed to get them towards the objective at hand.
Unfortunaly those who beleive other wise try to use crappy reason to explain why this team is not fairing well. Injuries,too much emphasis on some of the Ducks youth in bottom six is perhaps why Ducks did not do well as we expect them to be. Yet we can't dwell on something that has happen at the begining....What Happens happens for a reason. But we know in order to fix the flaw Ducks need to make some important choices. Must notably how to fix the Defence amidst struggles of Fowler,Sbisa and Sometimes missing key players within Blueline. Those who do not show any faith in the Ducks are "Experts" and "Know-it-All jackassess". To say the Ducks should trade Selanne,Getz or Ryan is a the Most ABSURD,Stupid and foolish plan ever. I rather keep this team intact and NOT let fear creep in.
Sadly those on the Ducks Message Board do not share this. I have seen how rudness of those who feel superior tends to be the most arrogant Pricks. Makes me wonder how the REAL Ducks Fans are but they are liars no more who see Doom and Gloom. Call me Stupid or foolish but I always feel this team against the odds they face Must make most of what they have in the coming weeks. Ducks at the Trade Deadline will have two choices...1. Win most of their games at the Roadtrip and make a minor trade in tweaking the Defence Corps or 2.Stand Pat and not blow up this team....Sadly those on the Message Board don't beleive that and are Full of themselves.
But I know in my heart as you all the Ducks gotta give it their all and Fight to the Bitter end. I know this season has not been what we want But it's important to support them no matter what. Oh one last thing i need to say "Fail for Nail" Slogan it is a Utterly BS!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
Unfortunaly those who beleive other wise try to use crappy reason to explain why this team is not fairing well. Injuries,too much emphasis on some of the Ducks youth in bottom six is perhaps why Ducks did not do well as we expect them to be. Yet we can't dwell on something that has happen at the begining....What Happens happens for a reason. But we know in order to fix the flaw Ducks need to make some important choices. Must notably how to fix the Defence amidst struggles of Fowler,Sbisa and Sometimes missing key players within Blueline. Those who do not show any faith in the Ducks are "Experts" and "Know-it-All jackassess". To say the Ducks should trade Selanne,Getz or Ryan is a the Most ABSURD,Stupid and foolish plan ever. I rather keep this team intact and NOT let fear creep in.
Sadly those on the Ducks Message Board do not share this. I have seen how rudness of those who feel superior tends to be the most arrogant Pricks. Makes me wonder how the REAL Ducks Fans are but they are liars no more who see Doom and Gloom. Call me Stupid or foolish but I always feel this team against the odds they face Must make most of what they have in the coming weeks. Ducks at the Trade Deadline will have two choices...1. Win most of their games at the Roadtrip and make a minor trade in tweaking the Defence Corps or 2.Stand Pat and not blow up this team....Sadly those on the Message Board don't beleive that and are Full of themselves.
But I know in my heart as you all the Ducks gotta give it their all and Fight to the Bitter end. I know this season has not been what we want But it's important to support them no matter what. Oh one last thing i need to say "Fail for Nail" Slogan it is a Utterly BS!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
Thursday, February 9, 2012
NEVER GIVE UP on the Ducks or yourself!
If many of us felt abit of deja vu from time to time each year our Ducks are in a situation not only familiar at times but unfamiliar in the position they are at. Having 2 wins in Nov before that Ducks starting with a 4-1 after games, then a coaching change makes things uncertain yet unpredictable in the coming weeks. As of now What we expected from the Ducks was NOT or something we saw in not only roller coaster but a chaotic season marked by whether or not Ducks tanking a season would be beneficial in getting the top 5 pick in this year's NHL Draft held in Pittsburgh. You know this "Fail for Nail" Slogan is nothing more then absolute BS to me. What is the point in using something to justified downfall of 11-12 season.....Sure Ducks are 8pts out but i rather see then Fight for a SPOT in the Stanley Cup Playoffs then let "Experts assume the worst. Let's be honest bout our Ducks situation.
8pts out of a Playoff spot, 29 games to go doe you Believe?....DO YOU believe in the Ducks and yourself?. Do you believe this team can do it?. I say YES since History that's right HISTORY within our Ducks for the past 19 years in 8 Stanley Cup Playoffs Berths 7 count them SEVEN have been when our team was struggling in the being and turn things around. Case we know is This edition of the Ducks is All Offense No Defence....Sadly they are flawed which we see in the past games from time to time. Suffice to say Consistency is lacking in effort or Depth in the bottom six...Strength in Numbers i have said is necessary and Ducks having alot of talent in the System they need to make something to balance youth with Experience.
So what do we do in the face of a disadvantage. We Do not give up on the Ducks for like life when WE the People be it USA,Finland,Canada,Sweden,Hong Kong and elsewhere face challenges we move forward and not look back. It's one thing to say "All is lost" and expect the worst but it's best We along with the Ducks believe in themselves. Most of the players are young and they are finding their groove. This 8 game winning streak will be a important test for the Ducks and Ducks Cause. One thing that is worst then a Ducks Loss is giving up on a season or Battles that lay ahead. I believe in my hear our Ducks can do it...They can make it to the Playoffs, rather have them battle with Honor and Pride for it then accept defeat!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
8pts out of a Playoff spot, 29 games to go doe you Believe?....DO YOU believe in the Ducks and yourself?. Do you believe this team can do it?. I say YES since History that's right HISTORY within our Ducks for the past 19 years in 8 Stanley Cup Playoffs Berths 7 count them SEVEN have been when our team was struggling in the being and turn things around. Case we know is This edition of the Ducks is All Offense No Defence....Sadly they are flawed which we see in the past games from time to time. Suffice to say Consistency is lacking in effort or Depth in the bottom six...Strength in Numbers i have said is necessary and Ducks having alot of talent in the System they need to make something to balance youth with Experience.
So what do we do in the face of a disadvantage. We Do not give up on the Ducks for like life when WE the People be it USA,Finland,Canada,Sweden,Hong Kong and elsewhere face challenges we move forward and not look back. It's one thing to say "All is lost" and expect the worst but it's best We along with the Ducks believe in themselves. Most of the players are young and they are finding their groove. This 8 game winning streak will be a important test for the Ducks and Ducks Cause. One thing that is worst then a Ducks Loss is giving up on a season or Battles that lay ahead. I believe in my hear our Ducks can do it...They can make it to the Playoffs, rather have them battle with Honor and Pride for it then accept defeat!.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)