Ducks Future is now!

Whether one realize it our not our Ducks will choose a path that requires them to develop within. Trusting those who within our ranks and in the system is always essential to success and absolute victory. Before the Ducks begin their quest and before the Gathering*Ducks 19th Training Camp* We must understand and come to know that like previous seasons and years past the Ducks relied on those they drafted....forget bout dreaming who they will sign or hope they spend to the Cap. The Ducks with signings of Souray,Allen,Winnik and Staubitz have bolster their Core...yet one wonders if that is enough for them to do. Despite con stand annoying rumours let alone BS that is "Bobby Ryan Trade Rumours". I can honestly say I believe Bobby Will stay as a Duck come the Gathering it's Vital the Ducks keep him and develop new Blood that is coming to the team. Etem,Holland,Palmieri,Vatanen and a few others. When I think back to the past and struggles we fought each season and year. I think of this team's future and Players who will advance the Cause of our Ducks towards greater Glory and Good. If player's Stats like Etem is not enough for some to convince he belongs to our team and will make a good Training Camp at the Gathering then one is naive at best let alone foolish. 50 Goals is enough for one to know He and some are NHL Ready. Optimism and positiveness along with Passion bout the Ducks have always been the strength I am part of. It is part of me too.....Like many of you who are awaiting the CBA talks to end and perhaps season to begin I am hoping for the best. There are many reasons besides our Ducks influx of youth and new players to look for there is Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne and guys like Perry,Getzlaf and Ryan able to bounce back after a dismal and yet Disappointing season. I can find comfort in seeing how the team will shape up to be let alone they not only be tougher but determine to set things right. We know come Oct the Ducks will RISE AGAIN ONCE MORE!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks Draft Class,Signings and Farewell George Parros

With 2012 Draft over and First Day of Free agency completed with alot of things was on my mind when Ducks announce their selection on June 22nd and July 1st. First off to the Draft class. I was hoping our Ducks addressing the need on the Defence Corps would address the need to get bigger be it on Blueline,Forward positions or maybe Goaltending. I was surprise at who the Ducks Pick never though they would pick Hampus Lindholm since the Ducks have been slated and some have hope Dumba,Trouba and maybe Reinhart would be number Choice....Yet more I read about Him more I like what I hear. Selections of Kerdiles,O'Brien,Megna and Anderson I am very happy with who our Ducks have drafted. If there is one word to describe New Blood of 2012....That is SIZE. For the Ducks to get bigger they address current needs yesterday. For me Signing Allen 6-5 and Souray 6-4 address the need for the Ducks to imho help young guns within the Defence Corps. despite the fact both have sign 3 year deals it's justified in getting some grit and hopefully nastiness that was missing last season. Watching 3 games in March Ducks battling Detroit,LA and Nashville something was missing that being the spark that lead to motivation,Desire and Relentless pursuit. If our Ducks need a mix of Youth, Experience and Leadership that was around five years then signings of Souray and Allen and Stabulitz was Phase 1 of retooling, restructuring and upgrading a team the was young and had some inexperience. In Doing so our Ducks made some choices tough as many have said while justified to others in regards to seeing George Parros leave for the NHL East. Signing with Florida yesterday has left the Ducks with 4 Players remaining from 2007 Stanley Cup Championship team. Much is said bout him when Bruce Almighty took over....some have said Both George and Brooks where no longer used by Bruce since his Style was vastly different then that of Carlyle. Being a Optimist I am never ashame to say I would love the Ducks to re-sign Parros Why you say? it's my respect for not only his skills on the ice but also off the ice as well. His "Parro's Cut for Kids" was something I always respect him for let alone his fan favourite status with Ducks Fans alike. It will be strange and tough not seeing Parros out on the Ducks Ice lining up taking a PK or laying the Hammer down on any of our enemies trying to take liberties on one of our Ducks. I will always remember him as being "Hammer of Anaheim". There is no denying he contributed to the Ducks first Stanley Cup Championship as did Giguere,Pronger,Marchant,Niedermayer,Andy Mac and Sammy Pahlsson. Call it a Business or nature of the game. But things happen for reason especially for the Ducks during this Offseason. I always believe that this summer will be one that is unprecedented due to changes in addressing the flaws. In Honor of Parros we must remember for what he did nothing more Personally I was humble and privlige to get his Autograph 5 years ago Meeting a player belonging to a team you follow all your life was special for me. Another Player I need to speak is Lubo Visnosky. During his stint he was Ducks Best D a years before...became the First Ducks Defencemen to earn a hat trick. Seeing him traded was sad to see him go...Like Parros it was hard to see him go. Whatever Summer holds for the Ducks Let's be positive and look forward to what will be a different team then one Won First Stanley Cup. I believe with signings made Ducks are in I hope start of revitalizing and refocusing our Ducks towards Greatness. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Jun 6th 2007:5 years Later

5 Years.....it's amazing that five years ago many Ducks Fans witness the Ducks achieve a historic Moment. A Victory that is so symbolic we remeber till this day. That night everything changed....The day all Ducks and Ducks Fans changed. Call it coming of age or evolve. Winning The Stanley Cup was special for many Diehards and passionate Ducks Fans no words describe the feeling of seeing the Cup Raised and experining the roar of the crowd at the Ponda. I cannot tell you the feeling I felt watching it on TV in Nova Scotia. Seeing Ducks Fans and talking to those who were there. It was special,important and deeply emotional. Why you ask? it's due to the fact that many since Day1 including myself have endure the haters,naysayers,mocking of the name,insults and of course trolls on the Ducks Message Board. Years of adjusting to predications,Opiniate views and bickering over how the Ducks must improve make one such as myself look at the past.....and yet hope for the future. I remeber that day as it happen, most of you that were there knew it as if time itself was in constant motion. From Teemu Selanne,George Parros and Beauchemin to stalwarts like Giguere,AndyMac,Todd Marchant and Scott Niedermayer. This team had a mix of youth,experince and leadership. Who could not forget the Ducks strong Defence of Pronger,Niedermayer,Beauchemin,O'Donnell,Huskins and Jackman....Oh the New Blood that in Getzlaf,Perry,Penner and likes of Ryan Carter and Drew Miller.Or the Goaltending Tandem that is Giguere-Bryzgalov....It's amazing how far many Ducks Fans I know have come along. When I was at the Ponda I look at the Renovations happening at the Moment when the sky was clear. It was different to see. I felt a sense of Pride looking at it and knowing the People inside be it Fellow Ducks Fans who may or may not agree with my views Or wonder how I was able to be so positive in the face of adversity team endure. The ups and downs and those who try to dissect why the Ducks fall short be it first round exit or failing to earn a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs....It matters not what we think It's how we see things through. Tendency to make a conclusion can differ from each Ducks Fan. Ducks Historic Stanley Cup Victory was the pinnacle of 14 years of battles,struggles and overcoming odds that were in the way of making a impossible dream become not only a reality but all too real. When the clock hit zero and the roar of the crowd fill the air on TV. I screamed "Anaheim Ducks 4ever" ran from room to room and around my house seeing Niedermayer raise the Stanley Cup over his head then pass to his brother Rob,then Chris Pronger,Then Todd Marchant and Teemu Selanne all the way to Giguere,Thorton,Getz,Perry,Penner,Shannon and Joe Dipenta. Sense of Honor,Pride and Glory bestow on the team 5 years ago was special in such a way it's Enteral. We all remeber where we were when "Day of Great Victory" occured ...I was honor and humble to have all the players including the coach to sign my Ducks Home Uni 2months before Ducks won their First Stanley Cup and Made history It meant so much to me since I never gave up on them and People of O.C. The Night changed us all right down to the Mind and Soul.....Expectations are the norm,predications are stated often from time to time. Funny Thing and I admit all those I know have grown and their knowledge has increased since that historic win... Ducks Fans I hear and talk to are optimistic,hopeful,determine and very classy.I started to realize their awareness of this great sport I love,their passionate support, cheering for the Ducks since I arrive in 2007 was exceptional and apprecative. Things change for a reason and Ducks looking forward makes sense for sky's the limit. To Honor our Past our Ducks need to look towards Next Generation those who are Leaders of the team and in the system take up Ducks Cause and move forward. I Beleive Deep in my Heart that Our team will win the 2nd Stanley Cup it's not a matter of HOW but When. Even though that our Enemies are near the point if acheiving their first Let us remeber that Anaheim Ducks were the FIRST California team to make history. Tommorow Let's wear our Colors with Pride,Honor and Deep respect not only for the Ducks but the Players who contributed!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: My Thoughs

I guess if there is one word to describe this year's Playoffs it's Dirty. You can never guess or expect that with a one team eliminated*thank goodness it's Detroit* and bloodbath between Philly and the Pens erupting as many expecting....For me as a Die Hard Passionate Ducks Fan and Hockey enthusiast I am happy at how things are going. except of course if two series have four of the Ducks Enemies battling each other in first round. Never less I am however not cheering or supporting any team since the Ducks are out of the Playoffs and retooling,refocusing and finding renewal in this summer. Ducks Hockey ended in April but it does not stop me and other Ducks fans in watching some great Hockey...No worries,fears or concerns just imho scouting for potentials Ducks Candidates whom the team can re-sign come July 1st. I have no qualms bout who the team needs. But I am looking at guys like Gaustad,Carle,Paille and maybe few others I think would be nice fit in reinvigorating a the Ducks who has youth but needs experience to balance the team permanently. Anyways in regards to the Playoffs I hold no desire to support any team in the Post-season...Call me old fashion but that is who I am no more no less and nothing can change that. One thing I have in mind is 1. I DO NOT WANT the Stanley Cup back in Canada and 2.Boston will repeat as Champs. You ask why I said number1? I do believe and reject this BS notion that bringing the Cup back the Canada is needed for our country....Since when did Canada become so downright Petty in the sport of Hockey I love?. Oh wait it did not long ago but that is another story....Watching some of the games give me a insight on how important it is to have a balance team and what our Ducks need to create a team based on Strong Defence,Reliable Offense and a goal tending tandem of two good goalies. Strength in Numbers as I call it on the Ducks Message Board and elsewhere. There is nothing wrong with expressing concerns bout the supposed grit shown this year...all in all this playoffs has shown a mix of old school hockey with offense and Battles that went down to the wire. If this sort of things beings to continue to the SCF rest assure 2012 Stanley Cup Finals maybe a mix of skill,talent an extreme Grit. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

My Anaheim Ducks Offseason wish list

With the Playoffs on going and at least 7 teams I refuse to root for due to my disdain and hatred. I am going to put up what I feel are necessary needs our Ducks must do in order to never REPEAT slow starts that cause 11-12 to not be forgetable but disapointing...Too many times since 07-08 our Ducks had a unpredictable yet topsy-turvy finish. Sometimes when one Tolerates it enough there is a limit and This is NOW the time our team needs to correct the flaws that were so apprant it was not even funny. List I have is 3 important objectives this team must make in order to re-organize,Rejuvenated and Reload. They are as followed:

1.Scoring Depth:Free agency even though there is not alot to choose from requires the Ducks to look at players who can 1.spread out the offense and 2.Compliment Youth within the ranks of the team for 12-13. Players like Daniel Paille,Cody McLeod is two candiates along with Travis Moen i would like the team to sign. Need is to strengthn Depth and ensure Forwards will motivation. I must also add Paul Gaustad reason is having 6-5 can give the pk some much needed grit.

2.Sign a Defencemen: Now what I mean by that is Ducks need a Defencemen since signing or getting a Top 4 D may involving giving up a player of utmost importance. My two D-men I would love the Ducks to sign would be Brad Stuart and Matt Carle. Signing Ryan Suter will require us to to sign him to perhaps a overpay or it would be godsend he signs form 5mil. However I am confident the Ducks D will be resilince when the Puck drops for 12-13 season.

3.Find Long term AHL Farm team: The one thing that really makes me angry and so pissed off is the fact our Ducks CANNOT a farm team in the long term. As much as I want them to be on the West Coast it looks more and more likely there maybe a chance Ducks may align with Norfolk or some other team. But first things's first It would be BETTER off if some teams in New York or in North East just set up shop beyond the Miss River. If anyone knows what I am talking bout look at the AHL Map on wikipedia. Then you know What I am talking. I hope Ducks have it sort out soon it would suck if Ducks have a repeat of what happen after Iowa Chops Fell apart.

Whatever Happens I hope Ducks can set things right before 12-13 season....One thing I really hope for is the CBA is sorted out asap. God Forbid we go through another Labor strife.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks:2011-2012 Season in Review

Sad,Bittersweet and at times hopeful...That is how i feel when the buzzer sound in Calgary and our Ducks loss final game of what is a forgettable yet disappointing season. There were so many factors that played into our team falling short be it Injuries,weak Defense,Coaching changes and reliance on youth lead to Ducks Falling short. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am but at times I feel frustrated our team can better. When I see the Players from forwards to Defense and Goal tending I see a Good team full of Potential. Neither Bad or Worst....yet not Great there comes a time when a Team such as the Ducks must look within and re-evaluate the strategy the put down months ago......All Offense strategy has not Work Why you ask? well when a this team is ranked 24th something needs to improve and be fixed. Another flaw needs to address is lack of veteran experience in the Bottom Six of the Ducks Depth.

When you have two Rookies,One Sophomore,A AHL Minor League comprise of the bottom Six with only two Veterans something is tells you that some players were not ready to embrace duties of the Ducks when the season began. Looking at the Final standings 34-36-12 80pts I do not see a record that reflects our team in 2nd half of 11-12 campaign. Mostly it's a modest records that neither great or worst it seems clearly now and with a deep understanding that If our Ducks are to regain the honor,Success and victories they must endure setbacks....THIS is one of them and as tough as it is the young guns on this team including the newly installed Leaders must understand the way forward is to regroup,retool and RELOAD. By doing this our Ducks face a off season that is unprecedented and very important that Bob Murray Must address basic and important areas that need to improve....following is 3 that i have put down are areas that must turn from weakness back to Strength:

1.Scoring Depth:As I always say "Strength in Numbers" it's way of saying that all players in the Ducks Roster must contribute offensively, defensively and Together Fight as one in holding back our Rivals and enemies opposing players in process. Missing link is veteran experience...A team CANNOT rely too much on the youth who will have nervous anxiety since most will be assuming their duties and adjusting to the style of NHL and system that is Ducks Hockey. I have had high hopes for this team and I always do for the past 19 years and 18 season when the Ducks assemble a edition to battle and compete for the Stanley Cup. Since the Ducks First Stanley Cup Win five years ago I always give each team a benefit of a doubt. To me I if our Ducks seek out veteran experience they must embrace some players via Free agency to help out the Youth of within the ranks. Having someone to calm the rookies and those young guns down would beneficial in balancing out the new blood within the lineup...whether they be Holland,DSP,Palmieri,Bonino and Beleskey one needs to have these players compliment with the likes of say Moen and Gaustad....how the Ducks choose depends on the decision in front of them and tough choices that will be made.

2. Strengthen Defense: Ducks six D-man comprise of the Defence Corps was weaken by a mix of injuries and dependency on Fowler who was at times not ready to lead in several games.It irritates me how Defense has from time and time again gave the Opposition way too many chances easy for those to regain and control the game when Ducks lead. I think of Chicago debacle in November and Ducks relying too much Hiller to bail them out..for example attending Ducks-Detroit game in March I was happy but not impress with the Effort by the Defense. What is needed is a D-man to provide Physical presence. As much As I am patient with some of Defense It would be suitable for the Ducks to Sign Brad Stuart and Dennis Wideman..Signing one of the two may lead to our Ducks trading a Defensemen perhaps Lubo or in one of the Trade Scenarios I have Trade for a Top Four D.

Goal tending situation I am not going to address it since the Ducks have come to verbal agreement with Viktor Fasth. But as Much as I say at times question Hiller and his ability it's very troubling for the Ducks to start Jonas 69 games. It's beneficial and a need for the Ducks to have a reliable Backup....One can ask why Jeff Deslauriers was never used but I think it would be suitable to use him with Ellis out with a injury. Just wondering makes me think it would be better if the Ducks have two goalies...both good and provide a long term benefit to the Ducks. In the Past Ducks had two goalies five years ago it was Giguere-Bryzgalov and before that it was Hebert-Giguere...Better to have two then On imho.

Positives that have been apparent during this tough season....overcome a poor 1s half by surging in Jan and Feb,Teemu visiting Winnipeg and playing at the home opener in Finland.....These positives stuck out for me. Most definitively this season did not feel abit worst yet bad from what I see. I am most certain that next season on 20th anniversary of the Ducks season....They will Rise again for me our Ducks will BE BACK. Nothing motivates players then never repeating the mistakes of the past.....If there is one thing we know is the Ducks will be eager to not repeat the flaws that lead them to fall short of their goals....For now many of us including yours truly will reflect and take a step back...Laying low will be needed for me I can tell you I am going to take some time off but I will discuss the need to improve no more no less.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

My Ducks Roadtrip:5 years later part2

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