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

June 6th 2007:10 years Later a Reflection by a Die hard Ducks Fan!

10 Years it seems like Yesterday yet we all remember where we were on that Special Night. All Ducks Fans know where they were watching that Game. Stanley Cup Final Game 5 at Honda Centre aka Ponda. Several Months I was in Anaheim for my Ducks/NHL Game. Getting all of Autographs of the Players,Coaching staff and Radio Broadcasters made that Night even more important. Ducks were ready,We were ready and yours truly was once the Puck Drop that Night....JS Giguere was in Net and Defence Corps was solid with likes of Norris Trophy winner Duo Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger,Vet Defencemen Sean O Donnell,then-Minor League D-man Francois Beauchemin along with Ric Jackman and Joe Dipenta a Reliable D-man who has roots in my hometown of Cole Harbour/Halifax Nova Scotia...Forwards comprise of Youth and Experience be it Todd Marchant,Andy Macdonald,Brad May,Rob Niedermayer,Travis Moen,Sammy Pahlsson who with Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne provide Experience. among the Forwards were the Youth who rep the Future...Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry aka "The Twins" as Ducks Fans call them,Drew Miller bro of Goalie Ryan Miller,Ryan Carter,Dustin Penner or as I call him "Big Pen" and few others including George Parros aka "Hammer of Anaheim" and a Backup Goalie with Quirky outlook on Life Ilya Bryzgalov.

That Edition of Anaheim Ducks Roster I sum up in 3 words....Youth,Experience and Aggression. Their Path to the Stanley Cup was a road where they Pummel,Defend,smash,Clawed their way to the Top. Each game I watch along with you to see imho Greatest Team our Ducks assemble made example out of Minnesota,Vancouver,Detroit(Our hated enemy) and Ottawa. I cannot express the smile I have right now as I reflect...I imagine all of you is doing the same thing. Watching a team we grew up with since Day1 and that Night of the game when the Puck Drop the Ducks were relentless,Hungry and with a Focus that is Single minded they left NOTHING to chance......They routed Ottawa 6-2 and when Buzzer sound I yelled "ANAHEIM DUCKS 4EVER". Crying tears of joy made me think of all the times I turn to this team for Motivation,Inspiration and many times invested in. Friends I made in Orange County California.....Players who signed my Ducks Uni back then. Of Course it was during my Tryst times in my youth connect with them when things were not good in my life. You can say this was my escape. It was magical and surreal...By the time Ducks Captain Scott Niedermayer....I yelled "To the Heavens" and raise my hands up in joy.


This Team that night a Decade ago was the Ducks "GOLD Standard". Now 10 years later as we look back we should always understand with motivation and Pride this team can positively impact Ducks Fans,Hockey Fans and Sports fans alike. I have read articles on Ducks Website and Of course we all watch the Ducks 2007 Stanley Cup DVD. Personally with all that has been going since 2007 the Ducks have Changed,Our outlook of this team has Changed for what it's worth we look towards our Ducks winning a 2nd Stanley Cup and restoring Glory to the Ducks Cause......It's not matter of How the Ducks win the Stanley Cup....Matter of when!. As I post this the NHL has named 2006-2007 Stanley Cup Champion Ducks as one of the Top 50 Greatest NHL Teams. That says something bout Anaheim Ducks and us as whole.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Final Game of 2016-2017: BEAT LA and My Thoughs.

Tonite our Final game a Home Finale against our Enemy LA begins later today. Most of you who have been with this team at Beginning of 16-17 season had Doubts,Concerns and fears were around when the Puck Drop in October....most of us had doubts including myself on whether RC will return our Ducks to the Postseason. After several ups and Downs...Wins,Losses and inconsistency the team was able to Persevere and overcome adversity that afflicted them. From injuries to short contract talks that stalled Swedish Duo(Lindholm and Rakell),Questions on How will John Gibson handle the Number 1 Ducks Goalie Position ended when they Clinched their 13th Stanley Cup Playoff Berth. 5th Straight year in row and perhaps on top of the Pacific Division when the Ducks Destroy LA this Night.

What we seen in this team for 16-17 season is Ducks defied the Odds once again under Carlyle's 2nd Tour he has stay the course despite Criticism of Ducks Fans among Ducks Nation. As we look back we should not forget the moments of how this team has once again Prove they are the Underdogs and worthy of reclaiming the Stanley Cup...It's a Young team mixed with Youth,Experince and Motivation to succeed. Question remains is HOW far will our Ducks Go...Once the Puck Drop in the First Round of the Playoffs whoever Ducks Face we must NEVER EVER take them lightly and go for the KILL. As for tonite against LA much as it's meaningless to some while important to all...Ducks MUST make a BIG Statement by making Example out of LA...GO FOR THE KILL and BREAK LA's Will. As far as I am concern I am Happy with where the Ducks Finish this season. For now BRING ON THE Playoffs and BEAT LA Tonite!.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

10 Years ago This Week!: My First Anaheim Ducks Trip Pt2

Anxious,Nervous,Anxiety and Joy....those were the feelings I felt as My uncle Drove me to Anaheim. As I enter Orange County I though about past 14 years and how this team has gone from Expansion team with Funny name to a Team contending for the Stanley Cup not Once.....But Twice. after half and hr I saw it....Honda Center FKA Arrowhead Pond. I was taken back by the Arena...It's size was Magnificent in my Eyes which was popping out by then..Checking into the Ayres Inn I got a room with view of the Honda Centre at the 3rd level of Hotel across of the Honda....Deep down I knew I made the Right choice as My Uncle and Dad left I felt so much emotions through me...happiness,Pride,Joy and alot more. I Contacted a Friend I have mad via Ducks Message Board while in my room as I stare at the Honda Centre speaking with so much Joy I think he was either surprise or perhaps expect enthusiasm from a Canadian up North..I had to pinch myself few times and let it sink in I was actually going to see the team I have love,Appreciated and has been My escape while Growing in Nova Scotia.

Many of you know who read know all too well bout my passion for this team and recording each Accomplishment from year to year since Anaheim Ducks were founded in 1993. For those 14 Years I did everything possible to keep track of the team...From watching it late night to listening via Internet Radio all the way to watching Higlights of the games during Ducks First 5 years. Anyways I went down to the Lobby to meet my friend and his family who we will call Z. anticipation add in with my introverts makes me jumpy abit....as I waited I though of the games I watch from the First on CBC where the Ducks won 3-1 over Toronto to epic games of 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now seeing the team Live was dream come true for someone who has a Passionate Zealous of Hockey and Ducks in General...What Can I say I am Passionate. I lost track of time when a Car pulled up. Z introduce himself to me we shook hands..He introduce me to his Daughter and his younger son along with a Companion of his Daughter. As we drove we talk Hockey from the Players to the Ducks and NHL Itself..He Inform me of what Locals call Honda Centre..."Honda Ponda or Ponda" as they call it. Thinking about it now in Halifax Nova Scotia that name makes me smile during that car ride to the OC Grill. First west Coast Beer I tried was Belgian Blue Moon. Pretty Good Beer along with later Dos Equis I develop a Good taste in Beer and Craft Beer like JT Schmidts IPA and I always consider those 2 the Best along with JT Schmidt's Microbrewery.

Before we arrive at the Ponda Me Z and Z's Kids arrive at another place where I met other Ducks Fans who correspondence at Ducks Message Board...at least dozen or so...I was overwhelm but I put up smile and was happy to meet each and talk to them bout Ducks Hockey and interest non-Hockey related. 2 People stand out DNC and CL....Bout Ducks Fans bout who I consider to this day as with Z as Friends Who I think about and talk to from time to time. IMHO it felt great Meeting these people who consider my friends was eye opening experience. I never met so much kindness especially with those who share My love for Anaheim Ducks and Hockey itself......We took a Picture me,Z,DNC,CL and few others. I am trying to remember that place..for it was there Z gave me a Gift. 2007 Anaheim Ducks Home Uniform....It was Black I quickly put it on as we drove to the Ponda.....

What can I say about the Ponda.....Honda Centre,Pond or Honda Ponda one thing that made me be in awe was the fact each step I took it was almost like a Dream a living one at best. I ran up and Kiss the Feet of Wild Wing Statue....reason for that...I really Don't know Z was gracious enough to take a Picture of me and the Wild Wing Statue while others waited. I still have that Photo and looking at it now that day was the Best day of my Life.

Entering the Ponda was something that I never would expect to Locals your Arena is Beautiful and special but to me Personally and I believe others feel it too there was sense of something special about it..Entering through the Mains doors Walking and seeing it for the first time............There was a Sense of something special that Night. There was also a sense of Reverence and Gathering place of the People........... Call me crazy or delusion but to me walking through the concourse from place to place. Taking pictures from Guy Hebert Exhibit honoring his service to the Duck Cause to the Banners flying high which at that time had Mighty Ducks 2003 Western Conference Championship Banner,Inaugural Year Banner and Mighty Decade Banner....It was a sacred placed


Once the Puck Drop I took My seat in the First Period in the 2nd and 3rd. I sat next 2 Z and His Son.
Game was Glorious,Exciting and I say again...I met other Ducks Fans I correspondent and talk on Ducks Message Board...all I become good friends. I was deeply Humble they put up a Ducks Message for me...flatterly and Humble...Game was everything I knew of the team. Hardhitting,fast pace from pregame to the end I took it all in for the Ducks won that Night in a Big way. 5-1 over Edmonton....

After the game I met with my friends at a Place called the Old Number 7 Man oh Man How i love the Atomsphere i Can remeber it all one thing I remember well was the getting Autograph of Bryzgalov,Ric Jackman and Meeting Brian Burke......He is Big I mean REALLY Big. attending the post game show with Steve Carrol and Brent Severyn was special these 2 I hear their Voices on Internet radio...Carrol was kind enough to give me a Media Guid...Still have it to this Day.

After the game CL and DNC treated for dinner...late night VERY LATE night I was quiet cause I was still taking it all in....Once they drop me off at Ayres I thank and told them I will meet them again...back in the Hotel I cried not of sadness but Tears of Joy it was first time I was treated with such Kindness it made me rethink everything bout the world I see.....For now tommorow I lay in bed planning for the Next day...TBC.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

10 Years ago This Week!: My First Anaheim Ducks Trip Pt1.

Tomorrow our Anaheim Ducks will honor and celebrate 2007 Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks,a Team assemble that not only Won their First Stanley Cup, But the FIRST in California History........It made me realize how long it was ago, yet it felt like yesterday for all Ducks Fans World Wide including those who have followed,supported and cheer this team since Day1. For me Personally Mar9th and 11th holds special symbolic importance to me. They were the First NHL Games I attended not to mention First time I travel to California to see a team I have Passionately follow for 14years back then.

Many of you who read this know me full well of my positive Realistic views on this team...From some "Epic" Posts on Ducks Message Board to meeting me each year. One thing is certain the Trip all those years ago was life changing event that made me who I am today.....Lifelong Friends I have made on the West Coast of USA something I never ever took for granted to this day.I remember months prior making that Decision. 26 years old working to support myself I had gone through tough times in my personal life growing up as someone of Color in east Coast Canada it was Rough and unpleasant. I am not going to get into my life it something I don't want to talk about about which I know My Friends in Orange County Ca,Idaho,Virginia,Maine and Western Canada will not understand. Anyways I have been a Major Ducks MB Poster in the past 14 years back then...At that time Facebook,Twitter and few others social medias were not founded are produce at that time. Ducks Message Board was by far only way to communicate,talk,debate and agree to disagree on the Anaheim Ducks be it Plays,Strategies and games....some use Logic others Passionate....For me personally it was a Mix of Passion/Opinions that makes me abit of a Zealot.


Remembering well when I had over 20'000 Plus Posts back then One of the Ducks MB Posters named "JiggytotheCup" ask me I Should travel to Anaheim sometime. His suggestion made me wonder but ask the question clearly.."Should I go and see the team?". Keep in mind though back then Traveling was never on my radar...Only time I travel was with family....Major one was to Hong Kong for a Big Family Wedding....Trust me i have a Big Family...Anyhow I was left wondering bout his suggestion. It was then I realize a Opportunity was presented to me and Ducks Zealous Fan in me realize...IF I was to make the most of it I need to start Planning by saving Money and checking up on Hotels to stay at...searching many websites from several Orange County websites and some sleepless nights lead me to Ayres Inn Hotel across from the Honda Center. It was my first Choice due to it's close proximity..the Airport I choose was LAX back then I did not knew you could fly from Halifax to Newark to JWA.....IF I had known I would have choose JWA instead of that "Fortress"....after few months I told my Family I want to go on trip.

I had my parents sit down with me in Dec...Told them both it was time for me to have some time off(Vacation). My Dad look at me "Great when do you plan to go to Toronto". I said "No I am not"..."What place you want to go" My Mom spoke a little curious about where I plan to go....I look at both and told them "I want to West Coast and see the Ducks"..They both look at me My Dad spoke "That's expensive you know how Expensive it bee to stay in Vancouver". I answer "No I am not going to Van".....again another Deep Breath "I am going to see Anaheim Ducks at the Pond in Anaheim".....There was long pause "Your throwing your Opportunity for vacation away, It's too Expensive in California" they said to me....I told them my gut tells me I have to go....I wanted to go so much. I look at both of them saying "It will be Best experience something I need to do, Maybe it won't be good". I spoke to them including my Dad i spoke with My Uncle in Ventura who will allow to stay for 4 days while I stay in Anaheim for 3 Days..."You either let me find myself or come with me to California". My Dad decided to rose to the occasion using his first year of retirement to visit My Uncle.


Flying to California was positive experience it never seize to amaze me at the Beautiful Country I landed in LAX met my Uncle there along with My dad we greet each other and getting use to the climate it was something special that I had good feeling about...Till next day I will be going to a Place that I will Call my 2nd Home...:) TBC

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Our Ducks Final 18 games and Need for Consistency!

Let's look forward instead of back for this Month of March. Many of us disappointed the Anaheim Ducks Did not seize a chance to make a trade at This year's Trade Deadline has left many pondering where our Team goes from here. i admit this to you as much as I was disappointed in Bob Murray not doing what he did Let's take in facts in prior TDL's Ducks had in past 24 years..They either Stand Pat or swung a trade for a Depth Player. Now Enough of the What IF's or Calling for Bob Murray to Resign or be Fired.


Final 18 games remaining for the Ducks comes down to This team having the Motivation,Dedication and Collective Will to Win and to Impose Dominance on our Rivals,Enemies and Opposition. Inconsistency needs to cease to exist...Players ESPECIALLY Getzlaf and Perry who has fallen short in producing the Goals we need to achieve Victory..At this stage of 16-17 season, where it's Gutcheck time and All players from Forwards,Defence down to Goaltender must do their Part in having a Winning Streak that can Close there Gap with San Jose and Give this team advantage in Postseason. This Win,Lose,Win,Lose,Win,Lose,OTL....etc is not only Annoying but makes us doubtful down the later games in March and Early April.

I can tell yo many times this team has tested My Patience this season....be it Scoring,Defence and Goaltending. Coaching which we agree is vital to Ducks moving forward has to be embrace some changes in order for Offense to be Jumpstarted. Since Ducks made no major trades cept Minor one to Help San Diego Gulls. I was please Marchant was hired as Assistant coach for the Ducks does not hurt for this team to have a former Stanley Cup Champion help out in improving the Ducks Cause. Where the Ducks will finish it still up in the air....as we look forward we must Hope that's right HOPE...Ducks will and MUST Build the Monetuem for this Month and Next to Get ready for the Postseason.Once it happens then REDEMPTION must begin and it shall for it to happen Consistency at the Finest MUST BE USED well.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck