Anaheim Ducks:2012 Year in Review

So much has gone by over the past 12 months and over these months we have endure a Disappointing season,Promise by the New Blood in Palmieri,Etem and few others to the NHL Lockout that is delaying and denying our celebration and hope for the new year 2013. If there is one word to describe our Ducks Year it's this....Hope. For days,weeks and even months we have seen New Blood take shape be it in the early months of 2012 which I saw first-hand in March some of the Ducks young Guns getting experience with the Big Club when our team was fighting against all odds to earn a sport in 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sometimes I admit I let my passion run wild let alone my anger get the best of me from time to time in 2012 but that is who I am and cannot change it like others who take a more..."Logical approach". 2012 would mark first time we see a Enemy won the Stanley Cup. That enemy being our Rival LA Kings who team after team hoping they can stall their onslaught that's winning the Stanley Cup. Sadly and unfortunely the dream Kings fans had became reality much to mine disdain in seeing each King hoist the Stanley Cup....Yes I hate LA and Am not ashame of it. But seeing LA become 2nd California team win Stanley Cup has made our rivalry with them even more intense. If this season had started I would have like Nothing more then our Ducks Smash LA to dust but make their season a living Hell. Sadly what could have been a important season due in part since 12-13 would mark 20 Years of Ducks Hockey we are dragged through like Anaheim Ducks and other NHL Fans in Hockey World through a Lockout which imho is a crisis and could have been avoidable. Believe me I was hoping this Lockout never happen yet it did...For me personally I was hoping to see Hockey in Dec yet fate dealt Hockey a bad hand. It never seize to amaze me once Lockout began people be it on Ducks Message Board try to predict the outcome that is worst and others who made Comments on TSN show alot of Pessimal in these Talks. What bugs me the most and it never surprise me is Purist mentality of several Hockey fans in Facebook,twitter,TSN and other who once again speak on the need to "Contraction" to Anti-American BS that is STILL rampant on some Hockey fans in Canada's mindset. As I speak now NHL and NHLPA are still talking which I feel could be the end of this Crisis that has denied our Ducks a 20th anniersay and Teemu to say Farewell and mentor Next Generation of Ducks who are in the system. Teemu Selanne's return to Winnpeg was something I wanted to see. As avid Ducksfan it gave me goosebumps to see the Tribute let alone I remember it was yesterday when TSN in Feb6th 1996 it shock me for awhile which I feel was biggest trade in Ducks History right till when Pronger got traded to our Ducks. Emotions the feeling of seeing People clapping and chanting Teemu...........It left speechless and respect the People of Winnipeg for still remembering this Finnish Hockey star who came over 2 decades ago. As this Year winds down to 2013 marking our Ducks 20 years I cannot feel abit of Content,Joy,little regret and sometimes Hope. For Lockout to end and our Ducks to be re-invigorated with youth of our New Blood coming up the system. Here is my top five Anaheim Ducks Moments of 2012 following is listed 1 to five. 1.Teemu Selanne's Return to Winnipeg:Tribute Vid send chills down my spine if that does not move you what will. 2.Young Ducks contribution to Norfolk Admirals. 3.LA Winning the Stanley Cup:Now why I put this at Number3 you say...It's simple when LA Won it meant one thing for our Ducks the need to take back the Stanley Cup and Dominate Once the season starts I want the Ducks to go for the Throat. 4.Ducks Draft 6th Overall:With a disapointing season Ducks getting 6th in top ten since 2005 left a bitter taste in our mouths and reminder of our team need to revamp,reload and re-charge for the future....Drafting Hampus Lindholm was a surprise then again one can never know what surprise our Ducks can do at the Draft. 5.Ducks agreeing to Alliance with Norfolk aka New Farm team:Perfect fit for both enough said. Here's hoping that 2013 will be blessing for the Ducks and for all in Ducks Nation for Me personally I want to say this to those reading it be from Anaheim Ducks Message Board,Facebook and Twitter...Those in Orange County to Finland and beyond Happy New Year and Lets Hope when Hockey return Ducks will RISE AGAIN ONCE MORE! DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Christmas Message to all Ducks Fans!

As we enjoy our Christmas Holiday be it United States,Canada,Finland and Sweden let us Remember the year that was for our Ducks. Even though they did not make the post season in 2012 and going through a period of change, It's at times important amidst NHL Lockout and the turmoil that is going on to enjoy the greatest team sport in the world. Past 12 months I have been thinking and wondering what the future holds for our team. Often for me being one of the long term Ducks Message Board posters I let my passion take the best of me in a forum that has new Folks and wiser Ducks Fans in our Fanbase. However 10 days ago we observe and celebrate our Ducks 20th anniversary and when the clock struck 12 I reflected on the many years,months,days and weeks following this team. Meeting New People who share my passion and truly come to understand the flaws of being a avid Fan. Those who criticism me do not bother what I say at times I let it stick....Personally thinking back We as Ducks Fans have grown alot over the years,we endure name-calling,mocking,trolls invading our Message Boards,Facebook,Twitter and elsewhere to agree to disagree on who the Ducks trade or not. I have come to regret certain actions But I Understand that one's Passion can be unyielding and like a Sword it needs to be forge with optimism,Hope and maybe some reason. All of us within Ducks Nation on this Christmas day remember their memories of Ducks Victories,Loss,Ties and eternal moments that inspire us to do great things,meet new people and love Hockey even more. 2012 for the Ducks will be remember for Teemu's Return to Winnipeg to Hiring of Bruce Bourdeau down to NHL Lockout that has imho delayed a Historic Milestone for the Ducks and All Ducks fans. Yet Christmas is always a celebration of not only the birth of Jesus but appreciation of the team and sport we love. So Much talk bout whether this Lockout(Crisis) will end remains to be seen But I Feel we may get a late Christmas gift when a deal is done and a 48 game schedule begins. You know it never seize to amaze me that so many Ducks Fans have upbeat optimism for that I have no regret in meeting people whether it be on Ducks Message Board,Face to face or on facebook sharing the love of this great team and great sport. I am always joyful,Happy and Proud I met DucksFans in OC and elsewhere who support this team 110%. Growth of the sport is small but Slowly I hope it will grow in next 20 years.........Till then what lay ahead is the future and from the bottom of my Heart I want to say to all Ducksfans who read this. Merry Christmas and be Proud of the team and Sport. God Bless you all. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks Hockey:20 Years ago this week

I remember as if it was yesterday...Dec 10th 1992 it was announce the NHL would grow to 2 teams 1 in Florida another in Anaheim which makes California having 3 teams in the NHL. One thing I remember was feeling curious that a team named after Movie was going to become reality. People would laugh at the name and hearing what people say "Hockey would never work in America especially in California". As that day approach marking 20 years of Ducks being in the NHL I cannot help but reflect on the past years and seasons....Not to mention the Lockouts that have occurred. Including This one in 2012-2013 which threatens to delay What I feel is a Anniversary our Ducks especially Ducks Fans should celebrate. Yet we are awaiting what will happen after this Lockout 3rd in 8 years will end. There are moments that we cherish over the years from the Stanley Cup Victory to the first win be it season or post season to MVP awarded to Corey Perry. our team has battle through adversity,overcame all odds stacked against and yet we endure. When Franchise was awarded to the Ducks I felt it was a team that I can get behind on even though those Unis from the movie was ugly. However as the months past with debut of the Mighty Ducks Logo and Colors and expansion Draft results it laid foundation for what was to come. If I had regrets standing behind the team I say no. For those 20 years it made me realize that Hockey was for everyone no matter where they are from and who they are. It should Never EVER be excluded to one nationality. Thus If one asks why I like the Ducks it's cause of the Newness of their Identity which was Unique to this very day and the Players they drafted,Traded and of course Signed. My Passion for them that started that day lead me to visit Orange County, Meet new Friends and realize that Hockey can grow in a Non-traditional market we made enemies on the ice be it Detroit,LA,Vancouver,Edmonton,Calgary and Toronto not to mention Nashville who remains a thorn on our side. But off the Ice I have come to respect fans who maybe Detroit or LA and even Toronto. What matters is this as we look back at our Unique Past we must NEVER FORGET what draws in and never forget those Off-Ice Personal who make the fan experience positive be it Powerplayers,Wild Wing,Ducks Street team all the way to the retail store clerks and cashiers. These are the Ducks personal that are important to the ground game as the Players. As Much as we blame both owners and players we cannot lose sight or Interest into the fact Lockout is OUT of our team's control. However as much there is defeatism going On I still a season can be saved. Better to have a short season then no season. As for this historic moment I give toast to all Ducks Fans within Ducks Nation be it Orange County,Helsinki and yes Canada for 20 years and hope the next 20 will be a blessing for the Ducks Cause. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Ducks,Teemu opens a steak house and World Junior Hockey Championships

One can expect and ask "Why is a Canadian cheering for the USA Juniors instead of Canada"?. Well two reasons I can bring to your attention and some info you all need to know 1.Ducks Prospect in John Gibson is returning to perhaps earn his spot on the USA Roster I firmly believe that in time we see him maybe as heir apparent to Jonas Hiller. I have been keeping tabs on him and so far he is doing very well in Ontario League being 12-6-1. 2. Is My admiration and appreciation of talent in United States. Seeing players coming from SoCal,Nevada and Texas once consider "Wasteland" of Hockey Purists in Canada whom I hate and at times have disdain for prove to me that Hockey is not only for everyone but can work in places like Orange County California or Texas. Consider and look at the facts of how well they have done over the past few years. Gold(2004,2010),Silver(1997) and Bronze(2007,2011) I am looking at maybe a team ready to redeem itself better yet looking to avenge disappointments of 2011. Ever since I came back from Anaheim 5 years ago I have come to respect Hockey south of the border more especially in non traditional markets cept a few. Be it AHL,ECHL or perhaps in Junior ranks I always believe Hockey is for Everyone...Just like Judo or BJJ. Speaking of the WJC besides Gibson 3 more Ducks Prospects were name to Sweden....Lindholm who is playing with Admirals,Rakell in Plymouth and William Karlsson in Sweden were name to Junior National team this week. If My guess is correct they are shoe-ins for defending Champs who I was very happy to see them knockout Russia. Having the four Ducks Prospects at this Event gives many of us a glimpse at those who will carry the mantle of the Ducks Cause towards Greatness,Honor and Pride. Of course Canada naming it's Prelim Roster makes it interesting since two of the players are from my Hometown Halifax Mooseheads. One I hope will be there for the Ducks to Select out of the list of Five I have on my Candidates list. Another Note I like to speak on and it's Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne. Stanley Cup Champion,National Hero,Mutli-Olympic Medalist,All-time Ducks Leader in Points,Goals and other Categories Now Restaurant Owner of a local OC Pub in Laguna Beach. It shows as we know Teemu always gives back to the community which I am happy...Proud to get his Autograph and Photo and I hope to eat there Soon next Year IF a Season starts and when I start to see how when I total my finance's. Watching and waiting in hoping the CBA Lockout crisis is over I hope we may see the Ducks Rise again and once more surprising everyone in Hockey world no more no less. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks Fans:Seeing History as it unfolds

In regards to what we see in our team,Be it the Players,Prospects,Mascot,Powerplayers and past coaches. One has to reflect on the good,bad and ugly....as You all know be being a east coast Fan many of you west coast would think. "is this guy Nuts for saying what he says". I am very unapologetic for my Passion for the Ducks and my views of the sport in General. Yet I see a team who's future is not only bright but growing with each passing season and game. I must confess for Ducks Fans like ourselves be it those in Orange County and others outside of the state what makes us different is we know the history of the team,Sport and moments we cherish we remember as if it was yesterday. I think in all what we see is a sport growing in areas that are non-traditional. Ducks becoming First California team to Win the Stanley Cup,five years later La winning it this year. This makes the sport grow even more and the war between the Ducks and our enemies in LA even more intense. Breaking down what we have witness,endure and able to move forward three words describe Ducks Fans in general. Classy,Young(as in growing in knowing the sport) and Supportive. No matter what we have to embrace what the future lay ahead for the "Ducks Cause" and for us as Ducks Nation. As a Matter of What whenever this season starts. One thing we always do....is agree to disagree on what is the "best Course" our Ducks must do to improve themselves be it "Trading Bobby Ryan" which I had mixed feelings for till situation with Giguere and Hiller in 2010. I always felt no matter how many times be it the Ducks Message Board,Facebook,Twitter or elsewhere we always stand shoulder to shoulder to support the team through thick and thin. Since this season should have been the Ducks 20th we must remember the past,appericate the present and look forward to the future. But Once lockout settles down we need to support those off the ice then those on. Without retail store clerks,Cashiers,Powerplayers and Ushers we would not have the fan experience that is unique to us. I do imho have walk the halls of Ponda thinking back to events and ask myself "Will the Ducks be a powerhouse"....You bet I believe they will. Let not us forget that Ducks History is OC history but History that Ducks Fans made as a whole. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

My Concerns and Hopes for the Anaheim Ducks!

If our Ducks are to move forward in honouring the Past and adjusting to the Influx of youth within our Ranks. they must look at the concerns in trying to improve the team yet do what is needed to have our New Blood. Make no mistake IF this season started the Ducks would have players like Palmieri,DSP,Holland and maybe Etem. I am patient in hoping he develops well as with Sami vatenen. One of most important concerns is 2nd scoring which is a issue we know correctly and clearly. For our Ducks having injection of youth brings out the best in having our offense getting a shot in the arm. Having at least one Young Duck with two vets can beneficial in giving him time to develop let alone hone his skills while adjusting to the NHL. It may also work if let say two Young Ducks with a vet. This happen before when Getz and Pears was on a line with Todd Fedoruk.....Can it happen again?. I believe it would. Size matters for this team...5 years ago it along with "Ruthless Aggression" and "Strength in Numbers" give us the edge in winning our First Stanley Cup,Before that it was "Hold the Line" during the transition of one generation to another for the "Ducks Cause". We can debate on what player needs to be added but we know in our hearts that in order for the Ducks to succeed they must b revitalize,reinvigorated by new Blood let alone a renewed sense of purpose. Dedication requires the Ducks to hit the ground running,Hope is Ducks Fans be inspire and support this team no matter what. We know what will happen be it Teemu Selanne or Getz and Pears final year....All of it is connected to the "Future" awaiting their chance in chomping at advancing our sphere of influence. I have Faith as we should from O.C to Finland the Ducks will once CBA settles RISE AGAIN ONCE MORE!. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck

Young Ducks Progress and Ducks Nation

If one looks at the stats of many of our team's Prospects be it with the Admirals and beyond it's very clear all signs point to IF when the season starts and CBA Crisis ends....our Ducks will be on the upswing. Emerson Etem,DSP,Peter Holland,Kyle Palmieri,Vatenen and many more. I always have faith and confidence let alone joy that our Ducks will pass the Torch to the Next Generation. It has with Niedermayer Retiring and Cam honing his skills during his first and Yes 2nd year in the NHL. I know reading comments of some be it Ducks Message Board and elsewhere patience is at a holding pattern. Yet Patience is sometimes limited after a few months...We cannot lose sight of the facts our Ducks will have several players hunger,eager,determine and driven to succeed. Greater desire a player has is to strive for what he will do to achieve greatness. We seen it happen is sports and with some players who wore the Ducks Uniform with honour,Pride and respect. Having 5 of the Ducks Top Prospects contributing is something to behold and wait for till Puck Drops for NHL to being. Hopefully Etem will pick up the pace and get the groove going since he has only 3 goals in 12 games. It amazes me after all we have gone through we are still here....19 years going on 20. Some agree and may disagree with my Passion but I always appreciate those who stand by their words let have a different view of where this team should move in achieving greater perhaps permanent greatness. As Ducks Fans we expect them to do what is needed to win no matter what....sometimes end results lead to us disagree and at times not respecting one's views whether this player should or should not be traded or sign for. Whatever case or petty arguments that exist or no longer have merit we are all Ducks Fans through and through. Whatever we disagree we always have a tendency to agree to disagree Still have my fingers cross and hope a things will get better for our team as the old saying goes "FUTURE IS NOW". and Ducks Fans we have something to hope and look forward as of now. DuckPride 4ever MooseDuck