Gathering of the Ducks 2017

So it Begins....well sort Today marks a important Day as the Ducks Training Camp for this Season begins. Like prior 23 Training Camps before Ducks Fans worldwide and all over including yours truly,Optimistic,Hopeful,Eager and excited for Puck to Drop. Looking at Training Camp Roster comprise of Ducks Regulars,Prospects,Returnees and New Players give us a sense our Ducks the ones who fell short in NHL Western Final is hungry and Dedicated to finish what was started. To build on 16-17 Playoff Run it will be Collective Effort of the team to push forward and Win it all. I never lie to any of you who read this and know my Passion for the Ducks and People of Orange County. We must support the core group who will be leading the Ducks again to reach the Goal that we desire in achieving once more. Injuries to Kesler requires Ducks to come together and be united in achieving a dominating Foothold in not just NHL's Pacific Division but the Western Conference as a whole.

Adversity as I always have said and we see since Day1 of the Ducks has always been battles to overcome absence of important players. Be it Kesboss out of action till Christmas to Lindholm and Vatman out till Nov1. the Honor and Duty of filling that void falls into the Ducks depth signees imho. Guys like Grant,Rasmussen,Olesky and few others. Ducks sign them for they entrust them to hold the line till 3 of our Key players return from IR. having those 3 not ready till later in the season makes us easy targets by our rivals and enemies to knock us down a peg. That alone as Ducks Fans we must be Very aware......But also have faith in the Depth players who have joined our Ranks. To do the job but also have others be it Rakell,Wags and Shaw to do what is needed during first 2 months of Ducks 17-18 Campagin.

Goaltending depth is good and strengthen with Addition of Ryan Miller who wished to come to SoCal due to his Wife's work and close to the Family also having a Goaltender Reto Berra gives the Ducks 3 Goaltenders who can step in anytime to get the Job Done. Miller's Experience will be beneficial for Gibson who will become a solid Goaltender and number1 Ducks Goalie with Olympian backing him. Add in Guys like Montour,Kase and Max Jones and Sam Steel.....Postive Thinking and looking forward for the Ducks to be UNLEASHED their Fury on the NHL will be something to see. Whether they hit the ground running or start slow one thing is certain. Anaheim Ducks will be READY Come Oct5th.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Ducks against the World:New Slogan or just a T-Shirt

By now you have seen the Picture of Ducks Captain Ryan Getzlaf sporting a New T-Shirt with Words titled "Ducks against the World". Most are intrigue by it others want the shirt. For me Personally I think most feel that we have a New Slogan for this season. It may not be confirm or made Official but one thing is certain...That shirt speaks well how all Ducks Fans feel when our team and all of us as a whole feel when Adversity is against you. It stands out and it should ring true to our very Soul in how we deal with adversity in our lives and how our Anaheim Ducks face Adversity be it on the Ice or off it. If this is a New Slogan then it's Fitting for our team who has the Hunger,Drive and Dedication to Push forward and reclaim what is rightfully theirs.

When we slowly approach Ducks 25th season in NHL....Slogan may become official or adopted by us DucksFans one thing is certain is that "Ducks Against the World" shall be our Rallying Cry for the need to get the Job done and Win another Stanley Cup. I hope this is our New Slogan and Ducks as well. For motivating words can rally Ducks and Ducks Fans to strengthen the Ducks Cause.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

T-minus 32 till Ducks Hockey!:My Thoughs

It's that time of you again...the Waiting for Hockey to begin or as many have said "is it October yet". As Anaheim Ducks and all Ducks Fans begin the countdown towards 25th year and upcoming 17-18 season. Looking at the Roster and the Players Ducks have sign from Ryan Miller,Reto Berra,Derek Grant to Return of Francis Beauchemin and Dennis Rammussen. I am Looking forward to what this team will do once Puck Drops and our Ducks will be UNLEASHED upon 30 NHL Teams including our Enemies LA,Nashville,San Jose,Detroit and etc. But also welcoming VGK for a NHL Beatdown at the Ponda. Counting down till Season Opener/Home Opener We know the feeling of eagerness,excitement and anticipation towards how this team will do.....We know one thing is that Unfinished Business will be motivation for this team going forward.there is a sense of Hunger,Desire,Motivation and Purpose this year now. After losing to the Mustard Cats(Nashville) in last seasons Western Conference Final it felt not like defeat but a something left undone. Many of you feel this way as I know from reading the Ducks Message Board and comments left on Facebook,Twitter,Instagram...etc.

Let's not be surprise Ducks Signings and changes were minimal at best. Core group is still there from Getzlaf,Perry and Kesler to Fowler,Lindholm,Vatanen and John Gibson. Adding many new Players in bottom six is nothing new since Keeping the Ducks Core Group and changing little is Ducks M.O and has been for past 24 years. As we count the days till Oct5th the excitement grows and the Passion is lit once more for the Ducks will be ready to finish what was left undone. As we know 32 to 30 Days is the REAL COUNTDOWN to Anaheim Ducks be UNLEASHED upon the NHL.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Remembering Bryan Murray:1942-2017

I remember when the Ducks hired Bryan Murray as their 5th Head Coach for 2001-2002 season. It was during the Days when our team were butt of jokes and Mockery by Hockey Trolls online. extreme Trashtalk on Ducks Message Board and BS we encounter during the "Dark Times" Ducks Bringing Bryan Murray to Coach a team was many believe another struggle for the Ducks to go against the grain when our Rivals especially Enemies be it Detroit,LA,Dallas and few others at times had upper hand and Sports Pundits wrote us off many times. As news of his passing hit all Ducks Fans worldwide and many who follow this team since Day1. I can't remember impact he made not as Head Coach but a GM a year later...in Those 2 years as Ducks 3rd General Manager...in his short stint he was able to Trade for Steve Thomas,Sandis Ozolish,Petr Sykora and Rob Niedermayer in 2003 When Our Ducks who would later recruit his Brother Scott to sign with the Ducks 4 years later. He Signed a Skilled NHL Passer in Adam Oates He drafted Future Ducks Captain Ryan Getzlaf and Superpest Corey Perry in 2003 NHL Draft would play a big Part along with Rob Niedermayer in Ducks winning their First Stanley Cup on June6th 2007(Day of Great Victory). But what he mostly did was not only from the Bench but in the-Mighty Ducks Front Office. He brought as OCregister's Mark Whicker describe "brightened the vibe, hired good people, let them do good things, and exuded winning". So as many of you know without Murray's Influence Ducks would have not been where they are without a Man of his calbir who came in and turn a Young Hockey Franchise with that Funny name into a Threat in the Pacific Division.


The team He constructed not only shocked the Hockey World in 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs but shocked our Enemies by sweeping then-Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings another Enemy Dallas stars and upstart in Minnesota Wild before battling to the End in 2003 Stanley Cup Final vs New Jeresy. Not only it gave Ducks Fans including many Die hards including myself and others a New Hope and motivated-inspiration in life.He also gave a Unknown Minor League AHL Coach named Miked Babcock a chance to be in the NHL. Babcock a Coach of Toronto Maples has won Stanley Cup with Detroit and 2 Olympic medals in Winter Olympics

As we reflect on Life of former Ducks Coach and GM Bryan Murray we should grateful and remember. As many mourn for few days and remeber this Man he had contributed to the Ducks in quiet way. His leagacy is with us in how he Jumpstarted the Ducks and pave the way for sucessors Brian Burke and Bob Murray to excel in creating the Legacy of Sucess. Bryan Murray *Raise Glass of Guinness* This one's For you!

MooseDuck

Importance of Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya in HHOF

June 26th 2017 marks another Milestone for our Anaheim Ducks, Hockey Hall of Fame electing not just Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne BUT Ducks Great Paul Kariya to be Included is very Symbolic and Importance to Anaheim Ducks and Ducks Fans worldwide. As Mention it before. Having both Ducks Legends elected is symbolic importance of the Ducks being a Successful non-traditional Hockey Market and growth of Hockey and Ducks Sphere of Influence in not only SoCal but Hockey World itself . I might add having 2 Players who not only contributed to the Ducks Cause but pave the way for the Future who is making their mark for the Ducks as of today brings credibility and positive impact on Ducks Crest from Duck Mask of "Disney Era" to Ducks D of today. Moments they have created be it together or separate. Between the 2 they made a Big Impact with the Ducks during their Tenures even though One Left due to reasons I will not get into....the Other return who later won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007.

Before there was Giguere,Niedermayer Bros,Prongs,Getzlaf and Perry there was Ducks Dynamic Duo of Kariya and Selanne....Paul was the Face of the Franchise 1994 till 2003. He dazzle the Ponda Faithful along with Teemu Selanne who arrived 2 years later in 1996. 2 Became Friends and stay in touch over the years. From 1996 till 2001 Both of them No8 and No9 Having those 2 during early years of Mighty Ducks/Anaheim Ducks History they put the team on the map and Brought more eyes and curious Hockey Fans the Ducks Flock. Kariya's Speed and his play-making made him stand out.Won Gold Medal in 2002 Winter Olympics,Winning Lady Byng Trophy Twice being the First Duck to score 50 Goals in 1995-1996. Kariya Contributed to the Ducks First ever Stanley Cup Final and aiding then-Mighty Ducks Winning their first Western Conference Championship. Teemu Selanne arrived in Feb 6th 1996. Trade was the BEST Ducks made in getting a Proven scorer and Winner. Doing so give the Ducks for 5 years Finnish Flash became 2nd Ducks Player to hit 50 Goals and during his 1st Tenure 96-97.....Winning Rocket Richard Trophy before traded to San Jose during the Ducks Dark times of struggle. It was his 2nd tenure Selanne cemented his Legacy. Contributions on and off the ice left lasting impact on Ducks and Ducks Fans locally....I can go on till midnight but you all know what he has meant to the Ducks Cause in general. Winning Masterton Trophy but also scored Winning Goal in Game 5 of 2007 WCF......his Major Contribution of course was guiding our Ducks in winning their First Stanley Cup....Joy of seeing him raise the Stanley Cup above his head was a sight to see.

As we await for the Puck to drop for the Ducks 25th season important all Ducks Fans mark it down of the Calendar Nov10th to 13th 2017 we will see 2 of the Best Ducks be enshrine in Hockey Immortality both represent our Ducks well and it will be a GLORIOUS Great for all Ducks Fans and Ducks Nation in General...as we look back at their careers Let's forward to Ducks who in 54 DAYS will be UNLEASHED once more on the NHL.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks Summer of Change!

As Many of you have know this Offseason has been Different for our Anaheim Duck. We all expected and knew Ducks would Lose A player in Expansion Draft and Not have a First Round Draft Pick since 1999. Many of us wonder,Debated and asked How will the Ducks build from their Deep Push in Stanley Cup Playoffs since their loss to Nashville in NHL's Western Conference Final. Many saw Comparisons to 06 Mighty Ducks making it to the Stanley Cup Final Four and Win it all a Year later. Some feel a Trade would push us to the Top...Right now What we saw was some Changes that saw the Ducks let go a D-man via Buyout to Signing of Ryan Miller on July 1st. IF there is one thing that unites All Ducks Fans including yours Truly is to see our Team Win the Stanley Cup and Restore Honor,Glory and Prestige to the Ducks Cause.


Losing Clayton Stoner in Expansion Draft was no Brainier to many of us Ducks Fans including myself who saw his Contract obstacle in Re-signing Lindholm and Rakell during early part of 16-17 season. Losing Him would be Justified since it will free up Cap Room for the Ducks in near future. It mark First time in 17 Year the team will lose a Player or 2 in NHL Expansion Draft(Last one was in 200 Jeff Nielsen selected by Minnesota Wild and Prospect to CBJ).Losing Stoner would be no Loss to the Ducks Over growing Defence Corps.........few days before Exp Draft which was held at same time as NHL Awards were to begin Many within Ducks Fanbase here bout Trade involving Shea Theodore going to VGK. For some Ducks Fans it was sad yet Disappointing but others knew it was indeed justified due in part Ducks were wanted to Protect Josh Manson who's Stock and value was going up in Ducks Depth Charts. Regardless We all knew with Ducks overload of Talent on Defence Corps tough Decisions had to be made. By Trading Theodore to VGK Ducks would be protecting Vatanen{inj) and Manson. As it became official We knew it was for the best...IMHO I was disappointed the Ducks did not get Draft Pick in return....It would be best Compensation since the Ducks will be facing them in Pacific Division. Yet Ducks got nothing return besides VGK deciding not to pick Manson and Vatanen. Losing Both Theodore and Stoner as days and weeks go by was No Big Loss...yet disappointing as many understood in losing Theodore without Getting something return....however for the good of the Ducks Cause it was Justified if few ways.


Another Moment of Change for the Ducks was Free agent Frenzy...July1st maybe Canada Day but for me and other Ducks Fans living Canada we treated as any other Day for Loving the sport of Hockey and the team itself. When word of Nate Thompson and Johnathan Bernier testing Free Agency by making it official in Signing Elsewhere be it Ottawa and Colorado...Ducks Knew in Order for us to fill in spots open by Departure of Nate and Bernier signing some FA's would be vital in strengthen our Depth on 1.Lower Six Forwards and 2.Signing a Backup Goalie with experience to balance out Ducks Goaltending tandem and ensure IF Gibson is out with Injury the Backup would be there to pick up where he left off. Signing of Derek Grant,Steve Olesky,Mike Liambas and Scott Sabourin....Depth Signings that will strength Ducks Depth but also giving some of these players a spot to fill till some of the Ducks Regulars who were injured during the Ducks-Nashville Battles recover. The most important signing of them all was signing of Ryan Miller who took role of not only Backup Goalie but Mentorship of Ducks Number1 Goalie John Gibson.

Many know Miller's Strong Desire to be close to his Wife and Family in California due in part his wife is actress in Hollywood. Getting him for 2 years 4Mill. 2010 Veniza Award Winner,2 Time Olympian he can bring that needed experience to the Ducks Goaltending Depth. Also his Veteran presence can be a positive influence on Gibson who at 24 years of age will be entering 17-18 season as Starter once again. It could imho Help in Gibson's Development into a Full Fledge Goaltender and imho heir in perhaps breaking Ducks alltime Goaltending Records held by Ducks Legendary Goalie J-S Giguere.

Last but not least and many have waited for this since he Retire 3 years ago....Ducks Legend and Finnish Hockey Icon Teemu Selanne was Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame Toronto. It was something special for not just Anaheim Ducks but for all Ducks Fans worldwide from Orange County Califorina to Ducks Fans in Canada,USA,Finland,Sweden and beyond. What makes it more Positive was the fact Paul Kariya a Anaheim Ducks Great in his own Right was also elected to Hockey Hall of Fame as well. It mark for first time Ducks had 2 Players BOTH who spent most of their NHL Career with the Ducks in 24 year history and 6th and 7th Player to suit up for the Ducks to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Others being of course,Sergei Fedorov, Adam Oates,Scott Niedermayer, Jari Kurri and Chris Pronger....all of them including those Ducks Legends who made Big Impact contributed in advancing the Ducks Cause during 24 year History of our Unique Team.

As we enjoy the Summer and countdown to Ducks 25 NHL Season It's good to know this Summer has not only spark our Interest in our team but renew the Hope Ducks will be Hungry,Determine and Motivated to finish What they started. As for How our Ducks will look like come Training Camp aka Gathering of the Ducks...It will all come down to What Ducks will Look like when Puck Drop in October....For THEY SHALL BE UNLEASHED upon our Rivals and Enemies in NHL.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Our Anaheim Ducks Entry and Expansion Draft

Time for Anaheim Ducks to Focus what is important begins now. 2 few days Expansion Draft will begin and possibility our team will lose a player for 1st time in 17 years is high. Ducks will have decisions which will be tough....Who to Protect,Who to leave Unprotected or who to trade before the Exp Draft begins is going to make things interesting for this is opportunity that should be utilize by this team next week. Let's face it Ducks will have to leave some to be claimed by VGK or "Magnetos" as I will come them now........Yet It makes wonder what Ace up his sleeve. As we know Ducks need a Scoring Left Winger that was surely lacking during 16-17 Campaign. Many times Ducks Fans including myself speculate on who Ducks will give up and who will we get in return. Sami Vatanen's name popped up many times over the past few weeks...before that few months. Losing him or any Ducks Player for nothing is understandable since it will leave the Ducks nothing to be gain.

Which is why a Trade perhaps one that will SHOCK the hockey World again can Bring a sense of "WOW" and eyes on the Ducks as it did with Chris Pronger 11 years ago. IF Ducks can convince Bieksa to waive his NMC this gives Ducks to protect Fowler,Lindholm and Manson while leaving Bieska likely hood of being claim. OR say if Ducks make a trade with VGK for a player for draft picks....It can happen but possibility is unlikely since VGK will be picking one player from each of 30 teams including the Ducks. Whatever Bob Murray has in store for the Ducks it's important to see the Big Picture that lay ahead of us.

Ducks reach the NHL's Western Conference Final and doing so they must make a Pronger type Trade that will ROCK the Hockey World. 11 years ago IF Memory serves us well Ducks reach the Stanley Cup Final Four only to fall to Edm a year later they Claim their 1st Stanley Cup. Could History repeat Itself?.....Whoever Knows but as far as I am concern Expanison Draft presents the Ducks will a Chance to make a Deal If it mes Jumpstarting and Sparking that Fighting spirit of the Ducks...so BE IT!.


DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck