Ode to Teemu Selanne:Ducks Legend,National Hero and Great Player!

I remember Ducks making that Trade as if it was yesterday TSN reported and I was at home after School at the time. My reaction was priceless, shock and Happy. To me it was something the then-Mighty Ducks did to make a statement that day.Something that says we want to win and we are ready to do to do this. Trading Chad Kilger and Oleg Tverdosky for Teemu Selanne was symbolic in many ways. It tells all Hockey purists that the Team name after a kids movie want to be taken seriously and was ready to take the next step. Of course it did not come easily for our team back in the early years...constant struggles and having two players one that is Paul carry the lead of Offense for the Ducks during the ime when other NHL Fans mostly trolls mock us,laugh it at us even suggest we were nothing more then a fad Selanne's upbeat personality represent our Ducks positive attitude and relentless pursue to prove Those who stand against us be it Critics,Naysayers,Trolls or Hockey Purists as I call it Hockey did not work in SoCal. But it Did and Teemu was able to provide night in and Night out along with Giguere that Hockey can be successful in a Non-Traditional Market The Chants.....Oh My those Chants hearing that day send chills down my spine "Teemu,Teemu Teemu Teemu". Mark he left on the Anaheim Ducks,Communities of Orange County and SoCal. it made me Pause from time to time thinking Ducks fans worldwide from Orange County to Nova Scotia and Finland were bless he wore the Ducks D and before that Mighty Ducks Logo with honor,strength and Pride. Leading by Example was something that many within our Fanbase know very well.His all time stats says it all...Leader in Goals:457,Assists:531,Points:988,Games Played:966,PP:182,GW:77.GT:9,OT Goals:6 and Shots:2'964. No Player has contribute so much from 1996 to 2001 from 2005 to 2014. His off ice contribution was something special be it his visits to CHOC(Childrens Hospital of Orange County) at Christmas along with other Ducks to raise spirits and morale of Young Fans to his founding of youth Sports foundation for children and their familes who don't have means to participate in structure sports be it Hockey or other sports. No Matter how we look at it Teemu Left a Big Impression on the Ducks which I always call him a Ducks Legend. He is the First and knowing his Number 8 will be retire is something we know once the puck Drop for Ducks 13-14 20th Anniversay Season. We know this that all he has done he earn that right. Even though he did not win a Stanley Cup in his final Season let us not lament on "what IF's" of that 6-2 Loss to our Enemy. We know that Teemu not only made our Ducks Proud but a Nation in Finland smiles knowing their National Hero has made their Country proud knowing Hard Work and Dedication can overcome adversity. I know most of us feel the sting of Teemu Selanne's being rob of his Proper GoodBye but all of us can agree that "Ducks Legend" is something Teemu Selanne has earn from all Ducks Fans worldwide....all shall understand this Meaning!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Response to LA Winning their 2nd Stanley Cup

I know the feeling...It's demoralizing,Sad and insufferable. Not only we see our Enemy raise the Stanley Cup in SoCal but there are good and bad out of this. The Bad Queens fans some of them bandwagoners will be rubbing it in our face for months. The Good it will motivate our Ducks to not only Do more in the coming months by getting read for Draft and Free Agent Frenzy. But be Prepare to avenge the 6-3 Loss to LA in WC Semifinals. So LA has Two Stanley Cups to our Ducks 1 Yes that is true. LA was the better team of course which I admit they never gave up when facing odds. However seeing that pic of them taking that Stanley Cup Photo does not nor should make us mad....It should make us determine and the Ducks Hungry to set things Right. Mark it down on the calender once the 14-15 season schedule is out,Ducks should be itching NO looking FORWARD to avenge the loss to LA. I know it stings for many But we cannot lament and ask "What If" in regards to the Ducks game 7 loss. We can take comfort our team has BRIGHT future and players who will be ready to pursue the Goal of winning our 2nd Stanley Cup. make no Mistake Ducks Winning the Stanley Cup 7 years ago and LA winning twice has shown Hockey LIVES in California. People from SoCal to NorCal enjoy the sport as much as People in Boston to Republic of Finland. Rivalry is now intense and Freeway faceoff Playoff war is etch in minds of Ducks fans and LA fans alike. No matter what WE in Ducks Nation as I now call Ducks fans from Orange County California to Canada,Finland and elsewhere have witness a Changing of the Guard this year. With Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne Retiring and Saku too the Young Guns know that to the Stanley Cup to Beat the Best you must be the Best and TAKE out our Enemy who are now the Stanley Cup Champs. Ducks will have LA in it's crosshairs...Rest assure when the Puck Drops and 14-15 season begins a New Chapter in our Battle with our Mortal Enemy begins anew. Let us remeber one thing and One thing with clear memory. Ducks won the Stanley Cup First and they were the FIRST California Base team to win it all. You can say we were the pioneers Nothing more nothing less. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

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