Anaheim Ducks:Our Inspiration,Strength and Motivation

As I write this down....Looking down at several road games our Ducks have Win,Lose and earn 1pt after OT. I wonder bout how this team has brought so many over the past 25 years to Ducks Banner by living in the moment and having those moments forever etched in our hearts,Minds and Soul. To me I had epiphany on this and it occurs to me that like all Sports teams...Anaheim Ducks,Our team,Our style of Hockey over past 25 years has been Our Strength,Inspiration and Motivation.Why I say this for many of us have endure countless times where things go awry in life...Be it bad day at work,anxiety,loss of family or other issues. Ducks have been not only our escape but sense of morale boost in our lifes...Be it Winning or Losing....Scoring Goals,HatTricks,Fights and Great Saves by a Ducks Goalie.

This team can give all Ducks Fan a reason to smile,Vent and talk about....Not mention be positive to pursue one's dreams or Do a Good Deed at work,in Life or reflect on the Great Victories or tough Losses they endure...Like Life there is ups and Downs. Often we learn like our Ducks in adjusting each season we like them are resilient. Each game Ducks play be it Home or on the Road more Fans are inspire,Motivated and see them as their strength. I do too many times no matter how we face Life there is always the Ducks that go through the turbulence of each season...For now as we wait for the Ducks to Battle Stanley Cup Champions Let's be grateful and be inspire by the team and the Players.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Ducks Honoring Selanne/Kariya's HHOF ,Vatanan Trade and Wild Wing Statue!: My Thoughs

Hello again My Friends It's been awhile....sorry for absence there were some Christmas shopping I had to do over the past few weeks. Anyways there is alot to cover and From Selanne and Kariya becoming First 2 Ducks inducting in Hockey Hall of Fame to Vatanen Trade and of course Return of Wild Wing Statue to Holy Grounds of the Ponda.

Moment Selanne and Kariya 2 Ducks Legends were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and by getting the Call to being honor by the team who both contributed so much to the Ducks combining 24 years of Tenure with the Ducks they have paved the way for Current Ducks today....Also it was reflection of many moments they have given all Ducks fans from OT Goals and dazzling Skills to Playoff Moments from Game 6 2003 Stanley Cup Final Goal by Kariya getting knockdown and Return to Score a Goal to Selanne scoring the OT Winner vs Detroit in Game 5 of 2007 Western Conference Final. One thing we can agree is both of them who are Ducks Legends have put our team on the map. Seeing their Portraits unveil at HHOF I had chills also had Chills when Ducks Fans gave Paul Kariya a Big Welcome back on Nov19th......I was emotional and honestly I personally Forgive Kariya for his Departure more on that on later Blog. Anyways one thing that would make it special IF and I say IF Ducks Retire No9......It would mean alot for this Diehard Ducks Fan who follow this team since 1993...Too bad Owner Henry Samueli Teased All Ducks Fans attended that Night with the suggestion. These who I call a Ducks Legend and Finnish Icon and another Ducks Great are Heros who inspire us......For me Personally they were my heroes.....like the Team itself they inspire to do more in my Life....Whether Ducks Retire No9 I will be there IF I get the Chance.

Most of you know now that Sami Vatanen Traded was not a surprise.....Some of within Ducks Fanbase from OC to worldwide knew Sami was Trade Bait from Ducks Message Board to Facebook and other parts of Social Media believe he is odd man out due to rise of Brandon Montour to Sami abit so-So under RC's Coaching style. Many of us speculate where he would go from Toronto to NJ all the way to being traded within NHL Western Conference....One thing we knew when Ducks trade a D-man another D will take their place. Goes along with my "Strength in Numbers" Outlook of Ducks Depth. It was abit surprise they got Center Adam Henrique,Joseph Blandisi and draft Pick in exchange for Vatman....in long Run of the Ducks 17-18 season it was justified due in part of Absence of Kesboss and Captain Getzlaf both out with Injuries that time. And Need for Forward due in part Ducks having Plenty of Defencemen As I said before in Ducks Message Board and Facebook and I say it again....Thank you for your Contribution Sami and Good Luck in NJ....Welcome to the Ducks Adam Henrique and Joseph Blandisi.

Finally We have Return of Wild Wing Statue...few years ago I was disappointed not seeing it on Holy Grounds that is the Ponda aka Honda Center but seeing it Courtesy of DucksNPucks not only brough Joy to yours Truly but happy to see it return...The "Defender" As it's Called will play a important Part next season for it marks 25 Years...Yes TWENTY-FIVE YEARS Ducks have been around in NHL and Hockey in General. 10 years ago I took my First Picture at Honda Center seeing the Ducks Live for the first time with Wild Wing Statue to see it back caps end to 2017.

As Year draws to end It's good to look at the Ducks 2017 year for not only we see 2 Ducks Hockey Hall of Famers but Return of Important Moument sacred to all Ducks Fans.....For now I will get back to you later...GO DUCKS!

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Ducks Perseverance Test!

Lets be honest bout one thing as much as all of us enjoy our Ducks taking it to Vancouver last Night in 4-1 Win one has to be concern bout the injuries our team has endure over the past few weeks. Injury bug has taken it's toll with Getzlaf,Kesler,Fowler,Boll,Kase,Eaves and few others out with injury that has lead our Ducks to recall some players from San Diego and having our Depth pick up the slack in some of the Ducks Important players absence. What it lead to is Ducks after 16 games having a 7-6-3 17pts, modest record and it has lead me to realize what we are seeing is a Test...a TEST that requires our Anaheim Ducks to come together and stay united with absence of certain players not returning till few weeks and in 2nd half of 17-18 season. Test of Perseverance will definite be something Ducks will need to stay the course while many of their injured brethren recover till they are ready to suit up for the team.

I won't lie when i say to you that I did not expect Injury bug to take a toll on the Ducks especially with recent injuries to few more players has made Adversity Ducks face even greater to overcome. Should we panic? or should we choose and hope for the BEST. I say the latter since Panicking at a time when the season is still young is NOT logical or assuming the worst. Looking at the Roster Ducks have Perry,Rakell,Lindholm,Vatanen,Ritche,Cogs,Silfverberg to name few who I feel can not only shoulder the offense but provide some stability till return of Kesboss and others. For this Month and next all the way till Early Jan Perseverance will be Ducks key asset from here on end. Reason being it's Perseverance that got our Ducks to overcome the odds and DEFY THEM no matter what. Concern is nothing new and we should be concern but we must have Hope this team can turn it around.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Ducks Offensive Outburst:Road ahead

2 Game winning Streak 6 goals in each of those games. Many ask if the Ducks will find offense it they did on those nights. With Gibson standing tall and Ducks PP going 1-4 against Montreal and 1-3 vs Philly,Special teams is still a work in progress...however many of us are please Ducks are finding goals in the net from Depth players like Grant and Rasmussen and Goal from Getzlaf returning to the Flock along with Hampus Lindholm presence puts a smile on my face. Gibson's 33 saves vs Philly and 51 saves vs Montrel was outstanding. I like all Ducks Fans right now hope this will lead to better things ahead. Who knows but we must hope Consistency will be at forefront for our team going forward as. Put it this way looking at NHL West standings especially Pacific Division they need is close the gap with not only LA,Calgary and Van but VGK. Let's not lie to ourselves but Magento's have been surprise to us all...I was hoping they fall but I guess with the team they have they are abit of a upswing for expansion team.

Return of Getzlaf and Lindholm imho was a big Difference maker last night. IF they can be the factor as they will in next 8 games,our Ducks would be Rising Once more. Big Picture we see as first month of 17-18 season winds down is Ducks are Hungry,Ready,Eager to set things right and Driven with Purpose and desire to Smash through our Enemies. For what it's worth 3 things is needed.

1.Consistency:IF Ducks can build on what they have then they will STRIKE fear on 30 NHL Teams including rivals and enemies in Pacific Division.
2.Collective Will:All players must contribute and stand together in Winning and reaching the Promise land. Whether it be Getzlaf and Perry or John Gibson and Young Players like Montour and Ritchie....Ducks must stand United in face of not only adversity but battle any bumps along the way....We may not win them all but I rather see they give it their all no matter what.
3.Dedication:One thing our Ducks are driven is their Creed that being Ducks "Dedication" that word may mean nothing to some but to us Ducks Fans from True Ducks Fan to Diehards and newbies they must never give up in the face of what is ahead. ignore the Doubters and naysayers for Together Ducks must uphold "Dedication" which is Legacy of not only Success but Perseverance.

November is around the corner and like October it's important not because it's 2nd month of 17-18 but the fact a 9 home games are schedule including a Homestand of 5 who knows what will happen. One thing I share with you and all Ducks Fans friends in Message Board,Facebook,Twitter and beyond Optimism in the Ducks and Hope they will push forward.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Anaheim Ducks at 6 games:My Thoughts

So our Ducks season has begun for where they stand at 2-3-1 5pts anyone surprise by the....."Slow Start". Personally I am not but if you ask me there is still need for improvement especially on Powerplay having 21 Opportunities scoring only 1 it's a Work in Progress. Much of it is due in part of Ducks not having Kesler,Lindholm and Vatanen who are recovering from injuries during the battles with Nashville. Getzlaf and Eaves they seem to be Day-to-Day we should not panic or assume things will fall into disaster......For the Anaheim Ducks at this stage of the season need to overcome this adversity is to remain focus,dedicated and stand United. Not let slumps get them considering Ducks are playing without core members of their group. We all share the love,passion and inspiration of the Ducks since their founding 24 years ago.

For me Ducks being in the position where they are at is nothing new for us Panicking at a time when it's still early in the season is.....jumping to conclusion. For whatever Ducks finish it's not set in stone. Like 24 previous Seasons before it's hard to predict where our Ducks will finish. 15 years ago if one ask me or any Ducks fans in Orange County California or worldwide Ducks will make it to the 2003 Stanley Cup Final....I would have dodge the question due to my superstitious nature. IF our Ducks can overcome adversity they face it must have Collective Will as I call it for every Player to contribute within Rank-and-File of the Ducks also most will call it "Depth" to reach within and get the Fighting Spirit Ducks have burn brightly.

I do not panick but at times I lose My patience with the Ducks over the years I develop a Thick skin. Whatever happens from here on end result in how Ducks will do. Do we as some say "Suck" without our Key players?......I disagree one thing is certain Ducks must Perserre to overcome the obstacle. As I say nothing is Easy in the NHL like life itself we must overcome.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Paul Kariya:My Thoughs on "Surfacing

Many of you have either watched the Doc by TSN on Ducks Original Paul Kariya and hearing him speak after 6 years of silence has many of us within Ducks Nation Talking...TSN mini-Doc titled "Surfacing"Gave us a look on how Ol No9 was doing after he left the Sport in 2011. Like many of you since Ducks Founding in 1993 we followed Paul Kariya's career since his name was called at 1993 NHL Draft till his leading the Ducks to their first ever Stanley Cup Final 10 year later. Kariya left us with many moments from becoming first Duck to score 50 Goals and win 2 Lady Byng awards to winning Olympic Gold at Salt Lake 2002 and World Hockey Championship in 1994. Watching that Documentary of Paul and seeing him open about his life and Career and his views on the need for NHL to deal with Concussions. What sends chills down my spine abit is Kariya not remembering being hit by Scott Stevens,Returning to the game and scoring the Goal or Game 6 or 7 and as he says "2 Days" Later. In my view he should be Remember more then just Game 6 "Off the Floor,On the Board" Moment after watching "Surfacing" it's clear to be me now that He has moved on.... that night in Game 6 was example of Kariya sacrifice his health He is a Ducks Great he paved the way for our Ducks to be where they are at along with Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne. Both him and Teemu put it on the line each night and Day to promote the Sport,contribute to the Ducks Cause and build our team what it is today. No matter what you Feel bout Kariya Now whether it be his uncomfortable being a public Face as he was for 9 years with Ducks till his surprise appearance at the Ducks "Paint it Orange" Campaign.

I say this with Open Heart Let us remember what he did for the Ducks besides the "Off the Floor,On Board" Moment where he showed that Fighting Spirit that embody our Ducks...Let us remember his speed,Skills and playmaking Abilities that he and Selanne created over the years from 1996-2001. Is he approachable? somewhat but he is HUMAN like all of us who played the sport of Hockey and the team we love with our Hearts and souls. Ducks Fans and Hockey Fans should understand clearly that we need to advocate and demand the NHL do MORE for the Players....They are like workers and like Workers they are vital to a Job and to a company...For the Ducks and all Sports teams Players is important to sporting events and their Health must be Number 1 Priority. Right Now all I can say this......watching Surfacing gave me a whole understanding of Paul Kariya he is private Person we must understand that for now Let's Hope he makes a appearance again for the Ducks.

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck

Symbolic Importance of Ducks Hockey Autograph

As many of you know or have done over the years As I have during the 8 years I made a Pilgrimage to see Anaheim Ducks 2007-2015 is get the autographs of several players be it Getzlaf,Perry or Fowler to Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne,Giguere Original Ducks Like Yake,Grimson,Hebert and few others. Now to me personally and I like to share my view of the importance the symbolic need of getting a Players be it Ducks,NHLer or other athletes is more then just "Selling" it for Cash. Getting their Autograph,Pic and chat with them is symbolic gesture of us in a non-verbal way of thanking them for their effort. Having that name that signature on your Ducks Uni,Hat,T-shirt,Book and Hockey Card tells us of that player who will contribute no matter how big or small to the Ducks Cause. Need for it is and always been knowing well you met that Player talk to him and saw him win the Stanley Cup with your team or broke a NHL Record.

Having that Autograph means alot to all Ducks Fans....be it young or old or someone new to the sport of Hockey or Anaheim Ducks Themselves having that name that Signature is something you remember forever. For example 10 years ago when I flew to see Anaheim Ducks for the first time I got autographs of Selanne,Giguere,Niedermayer Bros,Marchant,Andy Macdonald,Sami Pahlsson,Bryzgalov,Brad May,Joe Dipenta,Randy Carlyle,Chris Pronger and others. those Names are forever etch in my Ducks Uni and it's symbolism represents Immortality in Hockey and Sports in general...For many of us who follow the Ducks take a moment and look at the names...Read them and you will remember their faces,skills,Goals,Saves and the good and the bad...........Why I ask it's simple we witness their efforts over 25 years. I did in Halifax,listening on Internet Radio and watching them on TV. Being there and getting the Autos and see how other Ducks Fans got them I know their influence has left many Ducks Fans with Motivation and inspiration to improve their lives.

Cause when we see those Names....they are MORE then just autographs as I Say before it's Our way...DUCKS Fan way of saying "Thank You".

DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck