June 6 2007:Ducks Won the Stanley Cup and D-Day

7 years ago and it seems like yesterday still...I remember watching it on tv seeing the players all who I got to autograph my Ducks Uni months prior. The Joy,Happiness and the tears of pride When the final buzzer sound. To me personally and I know Ducks fans in Orange County California. It was 14 years of struggle,perseverance and overcoming obstacles be it mockery of our name to Trolls who bash us each year on Ducks Message Board. This was vindication for many that Hockey in California works and it's for everyone. I am not going to tell you how I felt but make it short I ran from room to room shouting "Anaheim Ducks 4ever" before shedding tears of joy. Everyone who knows me including those who read my blog and some "Passion" Posts I make no apologies for my love of the team and of the Region of California that is SoCal. the goals,Saves and when Scott Niedermayer hoist the Stanley Cup with roar of the crowd....I said to myself "Hoist it to Heaven" Captain. the Stanley Cup pass from player to player from Niedermayer Bros to J-S Giguere and Joe Dipenta all the way to Teemu Selanne. Big Roar he recieve send chills down my spine. Still Thinking bout it now made me appreciate and smile knowing this Men and those wore the Ducks Uni with Honor,Pride and Dedication. I think back to that year making a life changing trip in March. Not knowing what to expect and meeting new Friends,I think back to seeing each player Who I follow all my life. 2007 was the Year of the Ducks having capture Pacific Division Title First time at conclusion of 2007..the Push towards the Stanley Cup started with overwhelming Minnisota and Vancouver to the memorable Battle with Detroit. Finnally arriving at the Stanley Cup Final which they wipe away Ottawa with Dominance and Ruthless aggression. Seven years maybe long but forever we must remeber as it was yesterday. Symbolism of that Victory on June 6th goes hand in hand with a great moment in Human History. D-Day began when United States,Canada and it's allies launch the liberation of Europe and free a People. So I say to you all raise a Glass and Toast to not only the Ducks Stanley Cup Victory...But Raise it higher for those who serve well and Landed the beaches of Normandy 70 years ago to liberate the people from Evil :). DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Hello and Greetings....It's been awhile

You may wonder where was I during the Ducks 20th anniversary season?...Well You guess it busy be it watching them on TSN,CBC or NHL Network. Or Listen to the Radio am830. I like to take this moment to speak openly and honestly. Since the past months from Game 1 to Ducks terrible Loss to our Enemy. I have reflected many times....Too many one would ask.....Yet I have sense appreciation of the Ducks fans I have met over the years be it Ducks Message Board,Facebook and Twitter. Looking at the Photos I have taken. Many including Friends I have made lead me to understand Ducks fans are a Unique Breed be it Orange County California,Finland and Beyond. This 20th Anniversary season has lead me to a deep understand and though of the Ducks,Ducksfans and of course Hockey in California. I have come to a Honest Conclusion over the coming weeks I will be covering some topics close to all of the DucksFans hearts. To me it's better to understand and clearly look at the Past,Present and Future no matter what We are United as One and our love for the Ducks and Hockey as a whole. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks 20th Anniversary Season:So it Begins

1 Day from now...1 Day till Ducks Begin a milestone season. A Symbolic moment that defines who we are as Ducks Fans and how far our Team has come. 2 Decades of Ducks Hockey and our Accomplishments that has brought new Ducks Fans and Memory etched in the minds of all Ducks Fans worldwide has given us a new sense of purpose. Reflecting back on the highs and lows,good,Bad and Ugly. These Moments we live through them,witness what makes the Ducks who they are and What I believe is the Best NHL Team of the 1990's Expansion era. It seem like yesterday the Ducks were mocked for their name,jokes where made of O.C and SoCal as not Hockey Hotbeds and of course there is that bias of Media favouring East Coast instead of the West. What makes this 13-14 season very important 3 things. 1. Staduim series to highlight the growth of Hockey in SoCal and the ever growing feud between our Ducks and the enemy that is LA Kings 2. Teemu Selanne's Farewell tour of course and 3.Olympic Year. Rise in Talent both in the Ducks participating in 2014Sochi Games and young Guns within the Ranks of the Ducks have me smiling and hoping best is yet to come this season. Stadium series at Dodger stadium is something I hope to see. it marks a moment for the Ducks and for Hockey fans in SoCal...seeing a Hockey rink outside will be something special and I am eager to see what it looks like outside. Teemu Selanne signing for one Final year was expected he did so much for the Ducks and for this Diehard Ducks Fan who could imagine a Finnish Player traded to the Ducks from Winnipeg 17 years ago can have that much impact and positive inspiration for everyone who follow the Ducks since Day1. This season is different and I can feel since there are so many things to reflect on the Ducks Unique Past and looking forward with Positive Optimism and Hope towards the Future. Looking at the Ducks Roster seeing names of Etem,Fowler,Maroon,Silferberg,Sbisa,DSP and likes of Vets in Selanne,Getz,Penner,Perry and Hiller makes me smile this team will fly higher and continue the persistent of raising the Bar and flying higher to achieve greatness through Winning and Hard Work. As Much as many Fellow Ducks Fans who I know on the Ducks Message Board I will not be making any Predictions as I did before in prior seasons. Yes I am superstitious But I believe whatever the Ducks Do They must not let complancy and our Enemies from taking advantage of any lack of urgency. As we apporach season Opener I ask of all Ducks Fans reading this...BE LOUD,BE PROUD and Show your DucksPRIDE DO NOT let anyone tell you it can't be done. THIS Team through adversity has shown Hockey can do well in SoCal and can inspire people to do great things. DROP THE PUCK....LET'S GO DUCKS! DuckPride 4ever MosoeDuck

Anaheim Ducks at 20:Talent and Skill

2 Months from now our Anaheim Ducks will celebrate 20 years in NHL.Twenty Years......20 years of battling,overcoming adversity,haters and roadblocks that stood in our way. 20 Years of Fighting against all odds proving to those in Hockey World that a team like ours with a funny name and unique Hockey Sweater design and colors can battle,compete and stand toe-to-toe with NHL's Elites. As the Countdown towards the Ducks 20th anniversary season begins all Ducks fans including those in Orange County and elsewhere should reflect on how far our team has come. It was not long ago we were mocked,laugh at and at times be part of Hockey Purists insults but we strive and persevere through it all. Steely resolve of our team and Ducks Fans alike has given us a sense of Pride and inspire to do great things. Over the course of a few weeks I will be speaking honestly of the Ducks past....From the Draft Picks and Players they acquire via Trade or Free agent signings to the accomplishments both Team and Player has earn. To be fair to all including my critics on Ducks Message Board I will include best and sometimes worst results that our team has fallen short be it the Dark days when the Ducks were struggling from the early years to the pitfalls of being consider Fodder in the early 21s century. One should understand and know that History especially our Ducks is very VITAL to us all as Ducks Fans. Talent and Skill has been hallmark of the Ducks Drafting habits in NHL Draft for past 20 years...Since drafting a Young college Player name Paul Kariya every player who has worn our Ducks D and before that DuckMask has shown what make them worthy of wearing our Team's Colors. As Much as we have always disagree or agree the Ducks have at times put faith in the Players they drafted who then as I say "Develop within" the system. Keep in mind though it's in the Team's Character over the two decades they have allow homegrown Talent to thrive and contribute alot to the Ducks Cause. Be it Vish and Late Ducks Defender Ruslan Salei to Mike Leclerc,Joffery Lupul,Bobby Ryan,Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. To do this takes patience and a thing called waiting to see how well they develop and hone their skills for the good of Ducks Nation. When NHL began sending their Players to Olympics since 1998 our Team has a total of 10 players to the games from USA,Finland,Swiss,Canada and beyond to compete at one of the biggest stages in Hockey. In 2010 Ducks had 9 players to Vancouver games...out of 9 Seven earn Gold,Silver and Bronze Medals. It was in that same Year a Ducks Prospect name Kyle Palmierei help Team USA Earn a WJC Gold in Canada with USA Juniors. year later Another Ducks Prospect aided a USA Juniors to win Bronze. Two years later a Ducks Goalie Prospect John Gibson contributed in helping Team USA earn Junior Gold at World Juniors and Bronze at World Hockey Championships. let's Forget that in 2002 and 1998 Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne became the first two Ducks to earn Olympic Medals Now what does this say bout our team....Of course It speaks of the Truth and Honest Testament of the Talent that makes up our Team. Truth speaks volume in how well the Ducks have brought together players with such talent and skill over the years as they did through the Draft and Trades as we countdown I look continue putting together thoughts on the Players that have contributed so much to the Ducks Cause. We could forget and give too much of expectations to the next generation of Ducks who are rising from the ranks within Roster.....Sometimes those who are hunger and eager to prove themselves lead to players be traded or not sign. It's justified but for the good of our team it's necessary. For now I end this with my usual qoute......DUCKPRIDE 4EVER. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Bobby Ryan Trade,Silfverberg and Ducks 20th Anniversary

Call it what you will...Blockbuster Trade,salary Dump or Organizational shift. either-way we knew from before it was coming but most of us in Ducks Nation never though it would come to this. Some may assume it was expected but others like myself though it was another "Here we go again" Rumour. I must be the first to say this clearly that this trade took me by surprise let alone serves as a reminder that "Team always come first". Reading the comments from Ducks Message Board,Facebook and twitter and allowing this trade to sink in. Getting two prospects in return along with a first round pick was something We including myself never expected. Ducks getting a young player in Jakob Silfverberg from Sweden who I have heard nothing but good things and seeing the clips leaves me impress with his skill and talent and Stefan Noesen a Whalers teammate of Rikard Rakell left me wondering bout this Trade 5 Days after Bob pulled the trade Trigger on July 5th . Now I know Bobby had haters but it should not surprise me when some of the Ducks including Getzlaf and former Duck Giguere has their critics from time to time. Most often for Bobby it was his frustration that lead many within Ducks Nation believe he was a crybaby...Do I defend Bobby for his words?. No he had a right to say what he said as many Ducks Fans from Diehards to True blue and casual fans feel disrespect by his words when he said what he said to a local newspaper on the East Coast. As a Ducks Fan who has follow this team since Day 1 I will Miss Bobby's plays and hilite reel goals. It will be hard to not see Number 9 in the Ducks Lineup but like other Former Ducks who were trade we move on be it not seeing AndyMac and Giguere to Kariya,Rucchin and of course the Late Ruslan Salei. I hold no hatred for Bobby nor should all Ducks fans regarding Bobby Ryan......as Much as he has his supporters and critics I say to all Ducks fans who are player only fans and who appreciate Bobby. Follow his career see how well he does. For that I wish Bobby Ryan best of Luck and all be the best on his career. Now Let me say something bout this New Kid Jakob Silfverberg. Watching the clips of him left me with a good impression and understanding why the Ducks had to trade to get this kid. At 22 his stats shows he offensive player with speed yet in only one NHL season which was a short one due to the Lockout crisis he has 10goals 9 assists 19pts. Call me skeptical but I am hoping he turns out well for the Ducks in general once the gathering aka Training Camp begins. Whether he does well or not remains to be seen one way or another I am excited and intrigue to see how well he does for the Ducks and advancing the cause of our team. In recent weeks the Ducks Home Arena has started to vote for best moment in Honda Centres's history. It of course co-inside with the Ducks Official announcing and releasing 20th Anniversary Logo patch Celebrating 20 years of Anaheim Ducks Hockey. Seeing the Logo Patch first hand I have no problem with simplicity and keeping things simple. It has lead me time to reflect on past 20 years of Ducks Hockey especially Local Ducks fans I have met over past 5 to 6 years. It lead to understand and realize that even though I do not agree with Local Ducks fans Zther and few on course of what our team should do I believe we all are Ducks fans following this team through thick and thin. Lets look at the big picture our team has come along way with 19 Editions of the Ducks Hockey team. No matter if you are on Ducks Message Board,Facebook and twitter.....As Much as one can say bout History of our Anaheim Ducks all who are reading this be it From Orange County California to Maritime Region of Canada,Finland,USA,Sweden and beyond know 13-14 season will mark a symbolic milestone. History as I say on the Ducks Message Board is important and I leave it to the next Post I will put up next week. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks Stanley Cup Victory:6 years later

June 6th 2007 most of us within Ducks Nation from OC to Finland to Canada and back know how symbolic it mean to all Ducks fans Worldwide. "Day of Great Victory" as I Said back on the Ducks Message Board not a single day,month and week has past since we reflect on that moment. Ducks winning 4-1 Series over Ottawa. score 6-2 with Giguere in the Net and every player contribute in the Playoff Run.....It meant so much to us all and for me personally. I travel to see the team in march got most of their autographs and took their pics during 3 games I was there. They won 3 of them I remember. What really matters is how things change for US,The Ducks and those who follow the sport in California in general. It's Clear now that June 6th tomorrow will mark 6 years to this day a moment that Change not only our Anaheim Ducks but all Ducks fans who follow this team since Day1. Look at us now we along with our team has evolved,come of age,changed for the better since that night not long ago. Where has it lead us to let's say a moment of new-found knowledge in knowing anything can be possible and anyone can be be traded to improve the Ducks and the Duck Cause in general. Sphere of influence expanded greater with Anaheim Ducks founding a High School Hockey league to rinks not to mention drafting a Local California Kid named Emerson Etem. We have seen highs and lows,good and the bad,question clearly on who should be traded and who should stay. It was not that long ago that we were content with who we have at this moment before our Ducks became the First...Let me repeat the FIRST California Team to win the Stanley Cup. Remembering the players from Selanne to Niedermayer and J-S Giguere to the kids line of Getzlaf-Perry-Penner all the way to the shutdown line Pahlsson-Rob Niedmayer-Moen. All of the players left a mark. They were part of the First Stanley Cup Championship Winning Team To do this was not only something special for Diehard Ducks fans such as myself. It seem like yesterday on that night from when the Puck drop till the buzzer. It was a dream that became reality for Ducks Nation......Truly many of us that were there be it watching it Live and on TV We were Dedicated to the Cause we showed Ducks Dedication before the slogan became the norm. I can go on bout many of the players on the Roster but we know their names by heart and their faces and what they did....I always believe it's best to remember them and the past in order to move forward and reflect with Pride and Happinesses. It goes to show that Hardwork and perseverance can overcome anything if you put your mind to it and work with others towards a common Goal. As we look ahead towards future one cannot let go of the past in knowing that ours is truly a exceptional one. Need I say more that our team winning their First Stanley Cup not only but our Ducks on the Map but it allow us to earn recognition and a place in the Hockey World. Alot has change my friends and as we apporach this Milestone Let us reflect on how our Ducks have accomplish in 20 years. Ducks have done more the LA,San Jose and the other expanison teams of the 1990s. Share toast and wear your Colors with Ducks Pride. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Moose and Duck Connection:Anaheim Ducks and Halifax Mooseheads

I know this Post is non-Ducks Related But I felt necessary to tell you of seeing my hometown Junior Team win Memorial Cup. It's been a long time since I have been to a Mooseheads game. Reason being My first love and Passion is and always shall be our Anaheim Ducks. There is no such feeling in a seeing a team that was first outside Quebec to be granted a expansion franchise win Junior Hockey's greatest Prize. 19 years may have taken so long but it was worth it. Like the Anaheim Ducks they fought against all all odds cept they made the playoffs on several occassions in back to back years. Don't get me started Q-League in the early years of the Mooseheads have constant changing the playoff format. Now most of you ask why I bring up my Hometown and the Connection it has towards our Anaheim Ducks.....in the past 20 years 3 Former Mooseheads including two that were drafted by our Team played for the Moose. You know the names Jean-Sebastian Giguere,Marc Chounaird and Joe Dipenta as for players drafted it was Bryce Swan and Logan Macmillian. J-S Giguere of the 3 Mooseheads contributed the most in the Ducks 2003 Stanley Cup Playoff run and Stanley Cup Championship Victory in 2007. He left his mark in becoming alltime leaders in Wins,Shutouts and Games played. So Many memories of him I remember when the Ducks traded for Giggy in 2000 one had the feeling he will develop into something good for the Ducks and the Cause we follow. Then there is Marc Chounaird and Joe Dipenta. For Marc he may not have done as we though he did 10 years ago but as Moosehead he played well for My hometown team. It was nice seeing him in a Mighty Ducks Uni in 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs which lead to them winning the NHL's Western Conference Championship...Of course I cannot forget Joe Dipenta. A Guy from my Hometown known by Local Ducks Fans and Diehards a "Joe Dependable". Indeed he was always relied on IF a player is injured or suspended. Sometimes it;s having a local guy from your hometown playing for your alltime favorite team and Hometown team junior team that stands out. Of course what's exciting was him bringing the Cup first before Crosby was something special and brought alot of joy. I am not going to get into the two Mooseheads drafted by the Ducks in quick to the point let's just say both has disapointed me in how they turn out for Ducks Team. As much as I take in the Mooseheads Memorial Cup Parade I feel a sense of hope that our Ducks can Draft a Moosehead. both Nate and Drouin I know the Ducks will have a long shot against...Fucale maybe unattainble due to our Ducks Goaltending Depth but one never knows. 2013 I witness Ducks becoming Pacific Divison Champions and now Mooseheads winning Memorial Cup have me hoping they can take a Moosehead. The are two I feel they can take in the 2nd Round but as the old saying goes we have to wait and see. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck