My Rant of today...

Not a day goes by when I wonder and think when this Lockout will end. Nothing makes me annoyed let alone angry that when a game is cancelled it's a insult to those who watch the game and those who make the NHL Experience complete. I think of those who work with the Ducks, Power players,Street Team,Front Office,Marketing and ticket departments not to mention the social media who are affected by this. I am sadden by what I hear of fans saying they will "Never watch a NHL Game" Again....Keep in mind boycotting the game will hurt the ones at the team stores and other departments of any NHL Team including our Ducks as well. I cannot fathom nor wonder when will this end.....yet I know it could have been avoided IF both sides put aside their petty politics for the sake of the game. Betteman imho has lost all moral authority and honor to call himself Commisher. He is nothing more then a polorazing figure on both sides of the 49th parallel. We can give up as we wish...Or we go on this non-stop rant with "Anti-American" or "Contraction" Themes saying this city and that does not deserve a NHL Team. It irks me abit when I hear this BS Crap going in my hometown and country.....No matter how you look at it HOCKEY belongs to everyone. Simple as that and no matter where you go Hockey like Judo was destine to be spread everywhere. Sometimes I wonder when will this Lockout end even though I am positive and optimistic It will affect whether I not I go to see the Ducks next year. Hopefully it will be soon till then we must wait. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Our Ducks:Influx of Youth with some experince

Not a day or night goes by wondering what Do I talk bout with this Lockout hanging over our heads. Cancelling of first week of Pre-season,let alone it would have been first few games we talk and ask ourselves who makes it and who does not is something that we miss let alone feel out of place right now. Training Camp or "Gathering of the Ducks" should have started yet the Team like many others cannot control their fate at this moment as talks still go on amidst pessimism and uncertainty....News of Sbisa going over to play in Europe did not surprise me then again. We should not be talking bout the "CBA" or who is to blame. Discussion should have been on the Ducks Youth and the influx of them gathering at Training Camp. We Ducks Fans now have to settle with how well they do in Norfolk....sometimes when something happens in Hockey a team or league gains from a work stoppage. Example is Team Canada Junior team at 2005 WHJC. a Team loaded with young Talent we see many have establish their careers including two of our Ducks becoming regulars and Leaders for the Ducks Cause. Right now It appears history maybe repeating itself with the WHJC months away and Admirals ready to drop the puck in 15 days from now. Roster listed at the Ducks Farm team in Norfolk shows the Future and experience in some like Lasch,Hendry,Smaby,Cousineau,Maroon and few others. Plus put in Etem,DSP,Clark,MacMillan and we see a good combination that we may see few seasons and years down the road. As I say We should not take this crop and New Blood that is Ducks Future for granted. They like the ones before and previous seasons prior wear the Ducks D and before that Ducks Duck Mask with Honour and represent our Unique team in general.....a Lineage stretch back to the Expansion team. What see on the roster in Norfolk is glimpse of our Future and the Ducks Rising again once more. Call me a Fool But i am optimist and a passionate Zealot at heart. To me this team has what it can to Rise once more and reclaim the Stanley Cup. Whether or not the Season begins I feel our Ducks will have a edge in the group of youngsters eager to prove themselves to the Ducks Front Office and Ducks Nation as a whole....Who knows We may see them pulling a upset or two IF the NHL Lockout mess is sorted out. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

NHL Lockout 2012: Unnecessary Crisis

You Can blame the Players,the Owners or the situation we are in. One has to see throughout the summer and the days leading to the expiring of the CBA.Failure of leadership has created this new found mess.....I would never imagine nor though we see a 3rd Lockout in past 20 years. It's a Shame let alone a Tragedy that it has began amidst negotiations that were lacking any sort of progress or active leadership by both parties. Politics of pettiness in playing a big part in this crisis.....It seems likely and to no surprise many players feel embitter by the Salary Cap place on them. Which is why I am not impress. The Narrative we always hear is it "Hurts the Fans"...yet we forget it hurts those who make the NHL Game experience special let alone positive. Who I am talking about that is affected? It's the Ice Crews,Team Store Clerks,Cashiers at concession stands and Zamboni Drivers. It's these people along with NHL Fans are hurting by this lockout most recently Florida and Ottawa has issue layoffs to their workforce which sickens me. It's a stark reminder to all This lockout should have been avoided. Yet we see rhetoric that will add fuel to already starting fire. Each day pass by and each night it seems so surreal let alone something that was.....how would I put it should have been dealt with a long time ago. I can understand what all are going through right now. Frustration,anger and the Why?. Sometimes we try to explain how this all happen. But we know that with each cancellation is a shame not on the players we see but those who at the end of the Lockout be it the Ducks New Blood and those of 29 NHL Teams be stain with the mark of "Greedy" label. What we can do is more then just "Not watching the NHL" any more. We must voice our concerns stand with the teams beyond the Players like Ice Crews,Team Store Clerks and others....they are the life blood of the team as a whole. Express disappointment at the players via twitter and through facebook. Sure we can cling to the facts and express rage as some fans do. But they are entitle to it as many like myself are entitle to express our passion for the team we love. For as far as I am concern Gary Betteman as much as he has done things in the past 20 years in growing the sport imho is NO longer worthy of the title "Commissioner". DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Thoughs on the NHL CBA

As you know The Current NHL CBA expires on Sept 15th. Something we mark down and hope it may not end up as a Lockout. For me Personally I am always optimist in regards to anything be the Ducks Quest for a Stanley Cup and exact revenge on those who stand in their way....and My absolute rejection of the notion "Bring the Cup back to Canada" BS. Hearing the words that a Lockout may happen is a cause for a concern for me not only a Ducks Fan but as Hockey fan in general. I am not defeatist....never was never will be. I know some in my community have tendency to talk bout "Greedy" Owners and Players and how they will "never" Watch a NHL Game...of course it's hypocritical since many do watch Canadian Based teams. I do not believe that contraction is the solution to the problem nor this notion that we have to stick 10 teams in Canada to create a Better chance in having Canadian team win the Stanley Cup. I am for is the Salary Cap to be lower at 59-65Million and create revenue sharing for all NHL Teams. Don't get me wrong I want the Ducks to win but a equal playing field is always need to create competition and parity. Look I will get right to the point and say it now.....IF the NHL goes into a Lockout it will hinder any mometuem the NHL in spreading the game to United States. I am for American Hockey I would love to see the sport stand side by side with Baseball,Football maybe who knows Soccer. In this era where Unions are look down upon and Wealth is "Denounced" in the mainstream media IF both sides can work things out then Something can be done. For now Ducks Fans like all NHL Fans and hockey fans await how this situation plays out hope things will work out well. You can disagree But I will never be a Pessimistic....As far as Sports News and Pundits not to mention Canadian Hockey Purists I believe A new CBA can be done. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

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