Remembering Ruslan Salei

Not day,week,Month or even year goes by thinking bout one of the Former Ducks Defencemen who wore the Mighty Ducks Logo with honor and Pride. Ruslan Salei or many of us Ducks Fans call him "Rusty". We can all say that his passing and tragedy of Lokomotiv Yarsoslavl Plane Crash on Sep7th 2011 not only affected many Ducks Fans including our Ducks in General...But Hockey Fans worldwide. Players including Rusty have play with teams that have connections to NHL,AHL,KHL and other leagues.......It was Fan's worst nightmare losing not only Players but entire Coaching Staff. But Salei's Passing had a tremendous effect on Ducks Fanbase and in Orange County California. Not only Ducks Lost a Former Player but a Wife lost a Husband and Son lost a Father that Terrible Day. No Words describe the numbness knowing that not only Ruslan Salei but Players we know well had their lives cut short...... I believe it's a symbolic Duty for all Ducks fans to Honor Rusty's Life and Contributions to the Ducks Cause...Me Personally it hit me hard that a Player during the Ducks Early Years was gone.


Ruslan Salei was Drafted in 2996 NHL Entry Draft out of IHL's Las Vegas Thunder at 9th Overall of 1st Round of that year's Draft. Born in Nov 2nd 1974 in Minsk,Belarus...Rusty Choose to play in Hockey in North America for the Las Vegas Thunder in 96-97 season...It was during that single season with then now Defunct team at the time he wast scouted by the then-Mighty Ducks who drafted him in the Top Ten. You can say "Rest is History" But History always his story to Tell. From his Hits on Opposing Rivals to scoring important goals in 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs.


There is so many people who I read,watch and see how Rusty has touched their lives in many different ways. I choose to Honor his Memory by always picking him as part of Ducks All-time team and always love that Goal he scored to give our Ducks momentum was something I cherish....perhaps you all share the sentiment too. One thing that makes me think of him is his Family....Bethann Salei and her 3 childern including the youngest who I really Hope will know how lucky she is to have father who was not only a one of best Ducks D-men but a great guy to be with. We should choose to remeber Ruslan for not only his Days with the Ducks but with teams he played on...be it Detroit and Florida. But we should remeber him for a Father to Aleksandro,Alexis and Ava. Husband to Bethann. For Memories and choosing to Honor Ruslan is important duty to all DUCKSFANS to cherish his memory and honor him dearly.....*Raise Glass* Here's to YOU RUSTY!


DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Ducks Youth:Sky's the Limit

One thing that we should not lose focus or Faith in once Puck Drops on Oct13th. is Possibly and it's Highly Realistic with depth within the ranks of our team. Nic Ritchie,Shea Theodore and maybe Stefan Nosesn are Ready for the NHL. I Know Ducks will give them a Look and a shot to earn a spot on Ducks Roster this year. Stats for these 3 tells us they are willing and able to take that Next Leap towards contributing to the Ducks Cause. Ritchie's 16goals,14assists 30pts is a first step and perhaps He's eager to prove he belongs with the Big Club. Theodore's Stats 9goals 28 Assist 37pts add to the fact he was call by our Ducks playing 19 games with 3 goals 5assists 8pts and positive feedback many Ducks Fans who I think many at the Ducks Front Office feel Theodore can make that Jump once Puck Drops on Oct13th. Stefan Noesen is another Player coming back from injury and answering with 10goals 22assists 32pts gives us a Player who with shear determination got back from Injury to show his Resilience gives hope to see him in a Ducks Uni maybe this season or the Next. Either way all 3 of our young Guns are suited and ready to take the leap. The Talent of these 3 are examples of what call "Developing within".

A Phrase I coin in regards to Ducks molding and preparing Next Generation of Ducks to inherit their role in advancing the Ducks Quest to Win the Stanley Cup. It's been done before with guys like Mike Leclerc,Vitaly Vishnevski,Martin Gerber and others over the 24 years. Could we see these 3 seize the moment only 2 things can happen. 1 Ducks re-sign Hampus and Rikard to long term deals and Trade Fowler or 2. Trade Fowler for Picks and a Cheap Player and re-sign Swedish Duo to Long Term. Either way Don't be surprise if 1 or all 3 will seize the chance to be a Regular on the Ducks roster.



DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Trade or Not to Trade?

That Question has been bounce around for months now,speculation who Ducks will get in return is often rampant.Reason being is Ducks need to improve on the Left Wing which was address and spoken by Bob Murray during the Summer. Let's be Honest our Ducks Roster as Training Camp aka "The Gathering" approach is by far INCOMPLETE. I wonder at first why lack of action why the Ducks did not pull the Trigger when Trade speculation was brought up with Buffalo at This years NHL Draft....but Nothing Happen and wait started Free Agent Frenzy till now. Then it occur to me and others within Ducks Fanbase for the Ducks to Trade they must...YES you guess it and know wait for Lindholm and Rakell to re-sign. Meaning Trade will be Delay Once the Swedish duo sign a New Deal, should i say IF they do. As Days turn to weeks and few months we are left to speculate who we have as Trade Bait and what our Ducks could get in return. Names thrown about like Fowler or Despres,Stoner and Prospect pops up on Message Boards. Many Ducks fans from Ducks MB,Facebook,Twitter and beyond. Debate and disagreements aside we should look at the Trade Front with a Outlook that give our Ducks YES our TEAM a Positive Advantage. Many in Hockey World and fans of 29 to 30 teams know Ducks abundance of Defencemen has been envy of teams in the League. Depth or as I call "Strength in Numbers" is something to smile........

But we know we can't keep all of them. To answer the team's Needs. Chances for the Ducks to get a Scoring Left Wing to complement Getzlaf and Perry. Ducks are link in trades Scenarios with Detroit,Edmonton,New Jeresy and Boston. Looking at the Left Wingers of these four teams several players I see can fit into the our team Some I see on Ducks First Line others perhaps 3rd or fourth. Considering influx of Youth Ducks will have there's nothing wrong in injecting some experience. Tomas Tatar,Brad Marchand and Jordan Eberle are names that spark my interest...Mostly Tatar's name is popping namely for a Fowler Trade.


But as we approach 24th season. Ducks know full well some teams need a Defensemen in order to address their Needs. So as Much as we discuss which player is to our likely Ducks must NO DEMAND what they want in order for these teams to who want a Defensemen they desire and wanted. You see Demands Ducks should make is simple a Scoring Left Winger,First Round Draft Pick and Prospect....That is what our team should want no more no less. IF there is NO trade and Let say Swedish Duo sign for let say a Home Discount?....then expect our team to go a "Develop within" Route in giving Ritchie,Thedore and Wager a Chance to succeed and Prove their mark. Whatever Happens we know Ducks must NOT let a Repeat of what happen last season. For now we Wait!


DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Vermette Signing:Good Pickup

The Addition of Vermette has calm things down among Ducks Fans who are Please with this Signing, hopes it leads to Rakell and Lindholm following suite. As The Gathering aka Training Camp begins in few weeks.....Having Antoine wearing the Ducks D will ensure Less Anxiety we have as we get closer to Ducks 2016-2017 season. His Stats speaks for what he can do for This team in general. Experience in several Stanley Cup Playoffs including Double OT Winner versus the Ducks in 2015 Western Conference Final and Facing off nearly a decade ago in 2007 Stanley Cup Final would benefit the Young Guns coming up within our Team's Rank-and-File. When I first heard Ducks Signing him I was thrilled with so much uncertainty heading into 2016-2017 NHL Season. Ducks Fans like most who follow them deserve to have some Good News for a Change. But we should not get ourselves work up in a frenzy. Vermette is one player there is STILL Work needs to be done. Waiting for Lindholm and Rakell to sign is by all means bothersome at times. Yet we MUST be Patient for there is STILL time left for this team to assemble once the Gathering begins next Month. Left Wing Position still needs to be address...

Time and time again many speculate on whether a Trade or another Free agent Signing can solve the Ducks Achilles heel. Don't be surprise and it should not to all Ducks Fans within Ducks Fanbase they will give some of their Youth a chance to earn a spot on Ducks Roster...I call it "Developing within" It's cheap and affordable but it allows those who were Drafted to make their Mark.



IF RC decides to Pair a Young Gun with Vermette rest assure it will be beneficial to that Ducks Prospect once the Puck Drops in Octber. With Him winning a Stanley Cup as do Bernier not mention Getz and Pears there is 4 Stanley Cup Winner who I hope can have positive influence on a team that is looking for Redemption. For the Ducks to sign him it's a Positive Step on the Right Track and I am Eager as we all are to see whats our Ducks Next step in improving and gathering for the Stanley Cup Quest.


DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Las Vegas Expansion Draft:My Thoughs

When Las Vegas was granted Expansion Franchise in June 22nd many of us knew that having another Rival in Pacific Division would not only create another Front in race for Pacific Division... chance of losing some players in the Expansion Draft ways heavily on the minds of many Ducks Fans when the Rules when set up to give Las Vegas a edge. It's been 16 years since the Ducks lost a Player or 2 when the Last Expansion Draft was held. 2000 Exp Draft the Ducks loss Winger Jeff Nielsen and Prospect that year. 7 Forwards 3 Defencemen and 1 Goaltender....11 Players out of 23 gives our Ducks some time decision on who to Protect and who to leave unprotected. Questions on who to Protect a year from now.....Ducks Defence Corps having the abundance of D-man Las Vegas is watching carefully when 2016-2017 begins. They will be Watching other 29 NHL Teams to see who will fit into their Roster a year from now. Once Las Vegas fields a team next years the affects it has will not only be a ripple in the NHL but AHL and ECHL as well. Take into account Utah is close to Las Vegas...heck it's the State nearby Las Vegas Home states........Grizzlies may want to align with IF they decide to.

It would create a need for the Ducks to move their ECHL Farm team closer....Possibly could be Idaho. Las Vegas will be looking at AHL team either found their Farm team or align with AHL team in the East. we won't know how this Las Vegas team would look like...what we know is our Ducks along with 29 NHL teams are Thinking and strategize and thinking who to Protect. One thing is certain Ducks Youth who have a year or 2 under their Belt as with unsignee Draftees, will be exempt.


It's a Plus and only one in regards to the Rules. Speculating on who to Lose at this Draft which won't happen after 16-17 season is something we should not focus on...a Month from now the Ducks will Gather and how this team will do is our primary Focus. Having another Pacific Division Rival Ducks will Face in the Future creates another Front in which in future seasons will create a rivalry due to 4 hr distance between both our Ducks and New Team in Sin City. Whoever the Ducks lose or Protect a year from now we must accept. It's Life like Ducks Hockey and team sports for we must Move on.


DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

67 Days till Ducks Hockey

Countdown has Began till our Ducks be UNLEASHED,Once the Puck is Drop in October. patience starting to be Thin and talks and wondering who the Ducks will trade to improve the Left Wing becomes a question of how the Ducks will bounce back with a new Blood maybe projected to earn a starting lineup position on this Year's Ducks Roster.......Once has to wonder NO HOW our team will be ready come Oct13th.....Slow well DRAGGED on Process of WHEN Rakell and Lindholm are GOING to Re-sign. OR whether a TRADE is going to Spark Anaheim Ducks once the season Begins, We all know what needs to be done as Days to to Weeks and Months. It's Clear to me and to all who read this be it on Ducks Message Board,Facebook,Twitter and etc is our team MAY once again begin What I always Call "Develop Within" Process or some of you have say "Youth Movement". Looking at Signings of Jared Boll,Manson Raymond and Jeff Schultz along with Nate Guenin makes me wonder if they are giving the NEW Group of Ducks in the System a chance to make their Mark.

IF that is the case we may see a Rough and Tumble 16-17 Season when Ducks assemble 24th Edition of the team. Many are doubtful others are not thrill we seeing the Ducks may struggle other Ducks Fans see with Hope a Hungry,Angry and Determine team Dedicated not only to Reclaim Lost Honor but IF they are in Stanley Cup Playoffs snap the Game 7 Losing Streak...a stain which is a mark on our History as we speak. ENOUGH of our First Round Shortfalls against Nashville. When both Swedes re-sign expect one thing we know our Ducks must Light the Spark in the team That's a Trade.


Departures of Freddie Andersen and arrival of John Bernier has lead us wondering what Bob Murray will do next. So many speculations and questions.......Yet we are STILL Hoping something ANYTHING that will improve our Ducks and give them that edge while our Enemies improve via Trades and Signings. Deep Concerns I have at this sluggish progress and at times Whether our Ducks start strong or Not begins with how this team From Aug till Season Opener will Look like. All we can do is hope no more no less.



DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

World Cup of Hockey:I will be supporting..........

Team North America....You may ask why a Canadian is supporting a team that consists of rookies,sophmores and etc...2 things 1. I always appreciate and love People south of the border embrace the sport I love so much 2. Team NA has both has player from our Anaheim Ducks and My Hometown on the Roster. John Gibson from our Ducks and Nate MacKinnon from my hometown of Dartmouth NS in the Community of Cole Harbour. I know the World Cup of Hockey is not your usual Tourney....Its not held once a year or every four years like Olympics or World Hockey Championships. It's tourney that not only we see the Best in Hockey Representing their Nations at this year's Tourney. Looking at this roster including Gibson and Mackinnon and few others you think with guys like Drouin,Saad,JT Miller.....they would not stand a chance against International's Hockey Big Six(Canada,USA,Finland,Sweden,Russia,Czech Republic). One can count them out but I always like the Underdog and to me It's not just Team North America but Europe as well. IF Team NA can get some wins over the top six at the World Cup we could see some players from Goal tending to Forward make their mark by lighting their career on Fire.


the Players represent not only best of United States and Canada has to offer in Hockey But Futures of NHL Teams that have invested in them...That includes Ducks John Gibson who is our Number 1 Goalie. So as we countdown to 24th season of Ducks Hockey awaiting their quest for not only Stanley Cup, Lets look forward to World Cup of Hockey where Hockey World's best. What we can look is exciting Hockey and see who will be crown World Cup Champion of Hockey. For us Ducks Fans we get see not only some of the Ducks representing their countries but a New Number 1 Goalie will be a starter at this year's World Cup of Hockey. For me personally supporting this team is unique due in part of my respect for Nate Mackinnon and John Gibson.


DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck