Surprise? No. Tears? Yes.

Posted on June 26, 2009

Chris Pronger.

Let the trades of the 2009-2010 season begin.

I’m definitely sad to see him go.

There is something to be said about having a defenseman like Chris Pronger on your team. He’s big, he’s powerful, he’s a great man to have on your Power Play unit and your Penalty Kill…Chris Pronger, no matter what the fans think of him, is a great all around defenseman.

I’m going to miss him.

Chris Pronger has always been the man that other fans love to hate. I don’t care what people think of him, dirty or whatever, he’s going to be loved in Philly. They are going to realize that they’ve got a fantastic ice sprawling, physical, sharp shooting defenseman on their roster. Their fans are going to love him before they know it.

I KNOW Ducks fans are going to miss Chris Pronger.

I’m going to miss that upper cut after a speeding slap shot from the blueline. I’m going to miss the D-man with no fear, willing to lay all 6’6” on the ice to block a shot. I’m going to miss the fact that his feet are 10 times too small for his body. I’m going to miss that crooked tooth! I’m going to miss the way he looks up when you call him “GQ”. I’m going to miss his humorous interviews and his excessive use of the word “obviously”. I’m going to miss that hideous mustard colored jacket that he wore when the Ducks were in Europe…

I’m going to miss Chris Pronger.

I wish you luck GQ, but not too much.

GO DUCKS!!!

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Dear Commissioners…

Posted on June 16, 2009

Mr. Commissioner…

Lend me an ear…all of you, for I have a bone to pick.

I’ve been hearing about Manny Ramirez in the news again lately (even more recently Sammy Sosa), and it makes my blood boil (and it’s not just because I hate baseball).

To begin with, I have a real problem with an athletes salary, especially those making 20+ million dollars a year. However, I have an even bigger problem with athletes who have broken the law (I’m not talking about a speeding ticket, I’m talking serious law breaking…like killings, shootings, dog fights – you get the idea) and those who are under the influence of some illegal substance for their performance.

Athletes are role models, whether they like it or not.

All around the world, men, women, and children look up to their favorite sports stars as role models. These elite athletes are someone to aspire to, someone who has everything, can do anything, can be anything.

ROLE MODELS: Individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires. The term has passed into general use to mean any “person who serves as an example, whose behavior is emulated by others.” Wikipedia


Now, I may not necessarily want to be the next NHL superstar (I can’t skate to save my life…so I’ve eliminated hockey as my future profession…it’s ok – I’ve come to terms with it), but I admire the hell out of some of them, on and off the ice, for the things they do.

I’m finding that it’s harder to say that about a lot of athletes these days.

It’s a PRIVILEGE to be a professional athlete…NOT A RIGHT.

No one is guaranteed to play professional sports. It takes hard work, an immense amount of skill and talent, and a dedicated work ethic. There are SO MANY people in this world who would kill to be in Manny Ramirez’s shoes, and yet, he has abused his talent and power. Here is no new piece of information…you’re an instantaneous celebrity, whether you like it or not. You are someone that is inspiring to people all over the world. People who want to play like you, dress like you, wear your shoes, sport your jersey. These people emulate your cross over, your fancy stick work, your juke on the 50 yard line, they call their shot all the same. It is your job, whether you like it or not, to put forth your best, day in and day out, on and off the playing field.

So when you are suspended for taking steroids, caught killing dogs in your backyard, in jail for possession of deadly weapons…I would hope that same day…the Commissioner would send you this simple letter.

—-
Dear (…insert ungrateful athlete name here…),

This league no longer requires your services. It is an honor, a privilege, and a very rare opportunity to play for the NHL/NBA/NFL/MLB…and should only be given to those who appreciate and value this HONOR most highly. You have violated the simple expectations set forth by this league to remain an honorable citizen of society. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.

Clean out your locker.

The Commissioner.
—-
Maybe the MLB would be losing a fantastic talent if Manny Ramirez is let go permanently, but I believe there should be a no tolerance policy in all of sports. Just think, it might make athletes appreciate their time there, appreciate their fans more, appreciate the sanctity of the game. It might make competition fair, true, and real. A 50 game slap on the wrist isn’t going to stop someone else from being just as stupid and pathetic…and an awful role model to men, women, and more importantly, CHILDREN everywhere.

If this is a trend of history, then that is a shame. I want to watch talented athletes with NATURAL ability impress me, show me that there is a reason they are getting paid MILLIONS to do what they do. I don’t think there should be second chances in this scenario…we are talking about ADULTS who should know RIGHT FROM WRONG.

Hey professional sports! Grow some balls…expect more from the people representing you! Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Michael Vick (SO MANY MORE)…they’re an embarrassment to you!

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Those are MY seats!

Posted on June 14, 2009

Along with a few other people (like 12,000 or something) I am now officially a season seat holder! I’m very excited about it!

I got to pick my seats along with all of the other new seat holders at 5:30 (I saw a few Twitter pals there too…even though I didn’t say hi- forgive me). UJ and I then continued to go back and forth between two sections…back and forth, back and forth…until finally settling on my new seats for next season! I am so excited to BE THERE!

So, minus the ice, that is my view for the 2009-2010 season…and I can’t wait!

Is it time for training camp yet?!

Along with picking seats, Bob Murray gave everyone a little update on the off-season plans. There was not one shocking piece of information revealed.

Murray hasn’t heard from Teemu Selanne because his word is based on Scott Niedermayer‘s decision. Scotty has promised to make his decision before Murray makes his way to the draft which is in only a few weeks. Everyone is injured (not really, but UJ was talking to me, so I missed some of the specifics) and should be healed by the time camp starts. They’re expecting Francois Beauchemin to test the market (I’m predicting he ends up playing for the Anaheim Ducks of Toronto), they are planning on battling it out to keep James Wisniewski, and also planning on not getting themselves into a financial hole in order to keep Bobby Ryan next season when he’s available to them for negotiations. Murray didn’t give any indication regarding the goal tending situation and they are planning on finding a new goal tending coach to replace François Allaire.

All in all, it’s going to be a crazy off-season…

GO DUCKS!!!

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What about the goal-tending?!

Posted on June 11, 2009

Funny story…I literally had the previous post almost 100% done…and then I heard the Mike Brown news. I rushed to finish it up…and then realized that I forgot to post my position on the goal-tending situation! (Thanks tu madre!)

So here it is…

With the recent contract for François Allaire and the now “Anaheim Ducks of Toronto”, there have been many questions about what might happen next with JS Giguere and Jonas Hiller. This past season, the Ducks saw an interesting change in the goal tending power as Hiller finished off the regular season allowing the Ducks to make the playoffs when many doubted they could. Hiller also held strong for the Ducks through two difficult rounds in the playoffs by embarrassing the Presidents trophy San Jose Sharks and posing an unexpected challenge for the damn Detroit Red Wings.

I’d like to think that both goal tenders are staying put for the time being. In all honesty, I don’t know much about any of the guys waiting in the wings and I don’t know that anyone is prepared to take a back up spot. However, Jiggy has made it clear that he has no intention of being someones backup, and to be honest…he’s being paid WAY too much for that to be the case. On the other hand, Hiller has proven that he does not deserve to be sitting on the bench either.

I think the Ducks are going to allow these two to battle it out in camp and during the early parts of the season, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a move if Jiggy continues to struggle. I don’t think Randy Carlyle is ready to give up on Jiggy just yet, and also I think he has tons of confidence in Hiller after his performance over the last few months of the season, ultimately making his decision very difficult.

Who do I want to be my 1A? Jonas Hiller.

Unfortunately, I think the Ducks may have seen the best of Jiggy. I don’t think he’s a bad goaltender, and he may be as good as he was in the 2007 playoffs, but I can’t imagine him getting any better at this point.

As for Hiller, he’s been improving exponentially over the past 2 seasons. While much of this credit is likely thanks to Allaire, it is very possible we will see Hiller continue to improve and better his game over the next season and many more to come as he gains experience in net.

Simply…I see Hiller on his way up, and Jiggy on his way down.

No matter who’s A and who’s B…I don’t know that I would complain.

GO DUCKS!!!

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Let the offseason begin!

Posted on June 8, 2009
It’s time for the off-season to get underway already. Sometime this week (either Tuesday or Friday) the 2008-2009 NHL season will officially come to a close and it will be time to begin preparation for the 2009-2010 NHL season and a chance for 30 teams to begin chasing the ultimate championship once again.

The Ducks are just one of many teams who have a lot of holes to fill, and I know as fans, we’re all ready to begin embracing a new/fresh/motivated/skilled/determined/passionate team.

With that being said, there are many roster spots available and, as has been the case for the past 2 off-seasons, questions loom on what will happen with some of the big name veterans. Lets take a look at who’s staying, who’s “available” and then start talking about the Nieder-lanne-ronger drama (note the ronger is new to this summers scenario).

Let’s start with who’s staying, and we’ll use the same “line-up” that we saw during the final weeks of the the Ducks season.

Bobby Ryan – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry:

The nice thing about this trio is that they’re all still very young, and all getting better. I know we haven’t seen tip top Ryan Getzlaf yet, as his numbers are getting better with each new season, and with a better Getzy comes a better Corey Perry. Perry’s numbers were near what they were last season, however, this year he didn’t suffer a 6 week set back. I think a major reason for a mediocre season from Perry is due to the surge of Bobby Ryan. We all know that kid is only going to get better with time, but if his rookie season in the NHL is any indication, this top line is going to be HOT next season. Very likely, one of the top lines in the league. That’s…AWESOME!

Ryan Carter – Andrew Ebbett – Teemu Selanne

I left this line together for two reasons…1.) they’re all under contract for next season, and 2.) with more time together, they could be a great, speedy second line. We did see sparks of greatness from this trio during the playoffs, particularly against San Jose when it seemed that Ryan Carter and Teemu Selanne were connecting with one another. However, this line definitely needs to find another speedy winger (I personally like keeping Carter at center for this line and allowing Ebbett to maybe be the energy elsewhere). I think this line might be too small. Carter has more size than Ebbett, and he has the speed, but the Ducks are going to find it necessary to gain consistent second line scoring next season, as the likelihood that EVERY team will be throwing their top defense at the Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry line will very likely stump them from time to time. Therefore, it will be crucial to see this line click. However, at a $3.125 million hit against the cap next season…this could be a successfully cheap 2nd line.

Now it gets tricky…

There are only 3 4 forwards under contract for next season: Petteri Nokelainen, Drew Miller, George Parros and Mike Brown. Parros recently signed an extension for the next 3 season, and both Nokelainen and Miller have 1 year remaining before becoming Restricted Free Agents. Today, Mike Brown* officially signed on for 2 years at approximately $.537 hit on cap.

*Personally, I love Mike Brown. He quickly became a favorite when he joined the team earlier this year and showed the same fire that Ducks fans were used to getting from Chris Kunitz. He’s young at 23 years of age, and will definitely continue to be key for the Ducks on the PK. Nice work Brownie…welcome back!

So where does that leave the 3rd and 4th lines? Here’s a list of the remaining forwards from the 08/09 season who are free agents of some sort and their hit on the cap last season…

Todd Marchant $2.66
Rob Niedermayer $2.0
Erik Christensen (RFA) $.750
Troy Bodie (RFA)$.500

From this list I hope to see Todd Marchant come back. He had a breakout second half of the season when Samuel Pahlsson was ill and ultimately traded away. The combination of fire from both he and the newly re-signed Mike Brown make for one hell of a PK…and with the Ducks reputation of taking too many penalties likely to haunt them for quite a while, they’ll need all the PK stopping power they can get.

On the defensive end, the Ducks still have under contract:

Chris Pronger, Ryan Whitney, Brendan Mikkelson and Sheldon Brookbank.

With that in mind, there are a few GREAT defensive players who are missing from the list. Scott Niedermayer, Francois Beauchemin and James Wisniewski are all available (Wisniewski is a RFA) as is Bret Hedican who’s pretty much said he’s planning on retiring (good call buddy).

So…who stays who goes? That’s what we’re all dying to know and we’re all hoping to find out over the next few weeks.

A lot of the Ducks’ future is once again riding on Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne’s decisions for next season. While, yes, Selanne is under contract already for next season ($2.00), Bob Murray is waiting his decision on whether or not he will be playing another year. The cause and effect this season is huge. With so much talk on the defensive end, re-signing Scott Niedermayer may be a priority. Meanwhile, that could mean that Chris Pronger gets traded.

When it comes down to it, I’d really like to see the effort put forth in signing Todd Marchant, Mike Brown, Scott Niedermayer and James Wisniewski. With tight cap space and Pronger’s high salary for next season ($6.25), it might be reasonable to trade him away for multiple younger players and/or an ideally skilled 2nd line center.

Players I’d be comfortable seeing slip away? Rob Niedermayer. The Niedermayer brothers have already stated that playing together in the future is no longer necessary, but yet it might still come into play when it comes to signing the two of them. With much talk of them going to play closer to their hometown of Vancouver, also the site of the 2010 Olympics (which I think Scott Niedermayer is HIGHLY interested in participating in), I wouldn’t be surprised to see either or both of them end up there. However, I’d also like to believe that they both love it here in Southern California (who doesn’t) and might take that into consideration when re-signing.

I can’t imagine the Ducks are too interested in re-signing Erik Christensen. I’m not sure he was comfortable enough here to make an impact and I’m beginning to wonder if he’s mentally able right now.

On the defensive end, I would love it if there was space to keep Francois Beauchemin on board. I know there is talk of his interest in testing the market and I think that’s only fair. I consider him the poor mans Scotty, and for good reason…he’s VERY good and he showed that when he came back from what was essentially season ending surgery to give the Ducks a great push through the 2009 playoffs. In addition, James Wisniewski is a must in my book. My understanding is that Bob Murray feels the same and will be willing to give him what he deserves to stay and play for Anaheim. He’s a fighter out there on the ice, and we all saw that during the Detroit matchup.

Overall, the trade deadline was a very positive thing for the Ducks as they were able to acquire some great talent and allow others to test the Anaheim waters and hopefully re-sign.

There is a lot to be done with this franchise in the off-season and I’m ready to see it happen NOW.

Very soon, HOPEFULLY, we should be hearing about all of the Nieder-lanne-ronger plans and that will help settle things down for the draft.

Stay tuned Ducks fans…it’s going to be a thrilling off-season!

GO DUCKS!!!

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I’ve got…

Posted on June 1, 2009
I’ve decided to make a pick for the finals.

I personally would love it if they were just cancelled out right, but apparently, the NHL feels it’s necessary to finish this season out with a winner…whatever.

With that in mind, I’ll go ahead and make a pick (yea yea yea, I’m two games late…but that’s really irrelevant since I’m not making a prediction, just picking who’d I’d like see win)…

One would think this is cut and dry seeing as how much I hate the Detroit Red Wings. Not so my friend.

My pick?

Pittsburgh…or Detroit.

I’ll explain.

First of all, I have no second favorite team. No team in third, no fourth…basically, there is a 28 way tie for 29th and Detroit is 30th (yes, I hate them the most). It comes down to the lesser of the evils. This year, it’s Pittsburgh.

I’d really like to see Pittsburgh take it this year for a couple of reasons. One, they’ve got Chris Kunitz. I’m okay with him winning a cup over there. Two, they’re not Detroit – duh. Three, and this is probably the biggest reason…Sidney Crosby. Yea, I don’t hate him like a majority of other NHL fans (who aren’t Pens fans) do. I think it would be great for the NHL if their golden poster boy was seen raising a cup. I’d be okay with it and it might just help the NHL in the whole sports world. We can’t deny that he’s a great player, there is no question about that. In fact, we can’t deny that he might just possibly be playing with a player who is as great as he is in Evgeni Malkin. Let’s grant Gary Bettman and the NHL their ultimate fantasy, and let the kid win a cup.

So yea, I’d like to see the golden boy, his amazing teammate, an ex Duck, and anyone not wearing a Red Wings jersey win the cup this year.

—-

I pick Detroit.

“But wait! You picked Pittsburgh and you JUST SAID you HATE Detroit, you HATE them more than anyone else! Why would you want them to win the cup?!”

Ah. Here’s where logic gets kinda crazy. IF IF IF IF Detroit is going to walk out of the 2008-2009 season with their second straight cup (excuse me, I’m off to the bathroom to vomit at that thought), I hope they do it in 4…or 5 games. You see, that would give an insane amount of credit to one, Anaheim Ducks. The only team in the post season to make Detroit look vulnerable. The only team to push them to the brink and have threatened them legitimately. It would almost feel as though, had they knocked off Detroit like COULD have or SHOULD have…that maybe, just MAYBE, the Ducks could have lifted the cup this season. For a team who struggled so much during the season, this crazy line of logical thinking (I’m thinking if I use words like LOGICAL, my thought process will posses more merit than it likely does) makes me feel BETTER about where we stand at the end of this crazy season.

So when it comes down to it…I’d like to see Pittsburgh pull it out and do it for maybe “good” reasons, and I’d like to see Detroit SMOTHER the Pens for my more crazy, Ducks biased line of thinking.

Go Pittsbbb. Ggggggggggg Detr…..yea I can’t do it.

Go figure.

GO DUCKS!!!

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Playoff Supersitions and OCD

Posted on May 27, 2009
I suppose it’s time to break out the “non game day” posts. It’s too soon for these, but it’s the best way to start moving on and begin looking forward to the 2009-2010 season. I have a few lined up for this off season, and this one in particular will likely be the oddest of the bunch.

In light of the Ducks’ recent playoff madness (and even more recently, Sidney Crosby picking up the Prince of Whales trophy after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes for the Eastern Conference title), I was thinking about all the crazy superstitions I’ve employed this season, and…well, originally I thought I should share them. THEN, I started typing them all out and…wow…this could be VERY embarrassing.

Everyone has superstitions when it comes to the playoffs. From where you watch the game, to growing your own playoff beard, to my long list of MUST DO’S…there’s usually something. In fact, even UJ – a new hockey fan, didn’t trim his beard while the Ducks were battling it out. Welcome to the hockey club UJ!

My superstitious ways have caused me to inherit a serious case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I would meticulously do little things throughout the day that I felt would turn into a win. Yes, they’re completely insane, have no bearings what-so-ever on whether the teams wins or loses, are completely irrelevant to hockey in general…but I’ll be damned, they made me feel better.

Now, theses superstitions aren’t just during the playoffs, but they definitely intensify once the month of April hits. More importantly, they change every season…so listing them here is not a “jinx”.

There are many superstitions that I make others partake in. For one thing, I don’t want to hear about how they are going to “win”. Until they’ve won…there is no talking about it. In addition, “game day licorice”, it worked in 2007- so I made my whole office participate this year (it was going well until Headphones Brady decided that he needed to implement his own rules on game day licorice…he was cut off after that).

There are so many little things that I do on my own. These are the OCD rituals that I don’t speak of…until now.

Let me take you through my day, and please keep in mind…there is no rhyme or reason for ANY of these rituals…they manifest themselves in different forms season after season…and they are completely and utterly INSANE.

The night before a game, I wash my hair using my MOM’s shampoo instead of my own.

In the morning, I curl my hair. Now this is where it gets tricky. I use 2 different clips to hold my hair into sections (this already sounds crazy). It is very important that when I remove the clip from my hair that I place clip on the handle of the basket with my left hand, then my right hand before putting it away (yes, it’s THAT specific!).

In the morning I put my jewelry on in this order: bracelet (until it broke, then I began putting a link of that bracelet in my right pocket), Ducks charm necklace, watch, left earring, then right earring, then I place a single earring in my left pocket (I lost the other earring the weekend of the Home and Home series against San Jose in April). I put my makeup on in the car (usually when I exit the 91 at Lakewood Blvd – but the specific location was not important. Don’t ask me why that was not as obsessive as the whole “hair clip” fiasco- whatever.).

I had three “Let’s Go Ducks!” towels laid out in my room, each would get a tap before heading out for the day (this is just getting worse…).

Many of you may have seen Tweets from me after the Ducks would find themselves down in the game to “switch it up!”. Changing seats is a must when things aren’t going well. Likewise, staying in your current position is just as important when they are winning.

On home game days I would wear an orange shirt and of course the Ducks Nikes. Away game days I wear white shirts and the Ducks Vans. I have certain game day undergarments and specific jeans (I did A LOT of laundry during the playoffs).
I have 3 player jerseys. I wore Ryan Carter to his first game back after being a healthy scratch for far too many games (it was completely random that I chose his jersey that day). As long as the Ducks were winning at home (and I was in attendance) Carter was my jersey. After a loss however, that would get switched up to either Getzlaf or Selanne. I would then wear that player until I was in attendance for a loss. This is my regular season trend as well, it will always be.

I have a scarf that I made a few seasons ago. I always bring it, and rarely ever wear it. I fold it in half, then in half again, and place it on my lap, with my neatly folded orange towel. Both are in easy position to grab when I jumped to my feet and cheer for a goal…waving my towel and scarf crazily over my head.

I always parked my car at work in the same aisle, I always typed “GO DUCKS!!!” with 3 exclamation points, made a countdown til puck drop and I never listened to “Bro Hymm” during the playoffs.

I attended game 4 against Detroit with Suz Broughton, and when we got there, I informed her to do exactly as she had done during the last game she attended (I knew they had won that particular game). I, however, forgot to have the mandatory Zebra Corn and my red Gatorade that I normally have (I suppose I’ll have to take the blame for that one). She knew how superstitious I was when I told her to change nothing, and seemed even more concerned that we might not be able to go to a game together again because they lost game 4 (Don’t worry Suz, we’ve got 41 games next season to attend together if we’d like…I had TOO much fun with you to pass that up!).

I’m embarrassed to say…I think I’m leaving tons of little things out.

Looks like I’ll have to find a whole new list of superstitions for next year, since these clearly didn’t work…and I’m sure they’ll all be just as insane.

The important thing here is that as hockey fans, and sports fans in general, it’s so much fun to embrace the superstition. No matter how crazy your rituals are, or how OCD you become making sure they are played out perfectly, it’s the fans way to put themselves in the game. I’ve been a superstitious sports fan for as long as I can remember (ah, pacing in front of the TV in perfect stride while watching the Lakers defeat Portland in Game 7 during their playoff run in 2000- something I’ll never forget.) and I’ll continue to be a superstitious sports fan, until I’m officially declared Obsessive Compulsive.

I know I’m not the only one.

Sometimes, like Sidney Crosby showed the hockey world last night, it’s a good idea to switch up those little superstitions…maybe it’ll make a difference for them this season. However, here’s hoping that he’s stayed far away from the Stanley Cup…that’s not a superstition to be messed with!

GO DUCKS!!! (<– 3 exclamation points!)

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Don’t be upset…be PROUD!

Posted on May 15, 2009
I’ve received a number phone calls from concerned friends who are apparently afraid that I might take my life after the Ducks were eliminated from the playoffs.

Yikes, maybe it’s time I got a life outside of hockey?

Nah!!!!

Here’s what I’ve told them all…

I’m not upset. That’s right. I’m NOT upset. I can’t be.

The Ducks weren’t supposed to make the post season (not with the way the beginning of the season started and continued for nearly 70 games), there was no way in hell they were going to get past the San Jose Sharks…and the idea that they would lose in the final 3 minutes of game 7 against Detroit was out right preposterous. And yet, they did all of that.

I’m not upset.

I’m not upset that we’ve learned Jonas Hiller is one hell of a goal tender, who’s likely only going to get better.

I’m not upset that Francois Beauchemin missed 60+ games allowing space for Bobby Effin Ryan to make his case…and even more so, I’m thrilled to see that Beauch came back stronger than ever. Re-sign him please.

I’m not upset that this season, Bobby Effin Ryan made a name for HIMSELF…without the need to mention that OTHER guy.

I’m not upset that Ryan Getzlaf, the superstar that he is, and Corey Perry, are only getting better and leading this team at such a young age.

I’m not upset to have experienced another year of Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer, who for all purposes are still amazing players. Weather or not they return next season, I am honored to have witnessed their greatness.

I’m not upset that while yes, we lost a lot of great players during the trade deadline, we gained some wonderful players who made the push to the playoffs worth every bit of heartache. I have a lot of respect for what James Wisniewski, Petteri Nokelainen, Mike Brown, and Sheldon Brookbank brought to a struggling Anaheim Ducks team.

I’m not upset to have learned that GM Bob Murray has the balls, courage, and a great view for this team. It will be exciting what he does with this franchise in the off-season.

I’m not upset that after 95 games, I lost my voice numerous times cheering/screaming for this team I love.

I’m not upset that the Ducks have a fabulous core group of young guys, primed and ready to step up and do their jobs.

I’m definitely not upset about eliminating San Jose in the first round and I’m okay with still having a million and a half reasons to hate Detroit.

What am I upset about?

That I have to wait 120+ days until I get to see them take the ice once again.

So if you’re feeling down and depressed about the Ducks elimination…don’t be. As fans, we have nothing to be upset about. We’re still miles better than the Kings, we’re obviously better than Sharks, we aren’t facing the uncertainty of our future like the Coyotes are, and that team that knocked us out last year? They didn’t even see the post season!

Just remember what these Ducks have done for Southern California hockey…

…and don’t be upset…be PROUD to be a fan of the Anaheim Ducks!

Damn, I love this game.

GO DUCKS!!!

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Unlike any other

Posted on May 14, 2009
“Hockey is like a disease, you can’t really shake it.”
- Ken Wregget

I don’t have a lot to say right now, and I’ll be working on a full post for later…but I do want to say this.

I am SO PROUD to be an Anaheim Ducks fan. I am SO PROUD to cheer on this team, to wear their colors, to have their logo plastered on my car. I am SO PROUD to be surrounded by a wonderfully faithful hockey fan base.

I love my Anaheim Ducks…

NOW…FOREVER…ALWAYS!!!

There will be tons to cover here in the next few weeks, and I will be working on this blog faithfully throughout the summer. Hockey is more than just 8 months a year for me!

Very soon I will have a post season blog up (I’m hoping for tomorrow). In addition, I have a few topics lined up for the off season including; Playoffs and my development of superstitious OCD and My love/hate relationship with fighting, to name a few. Also, we’ll be covering Duck Dudes during the off season as well as trade watches and of course keeping tabs on the final 2 rounds in these playoffs.

Once again, I want to thank the Anaheim Ducks for always giving me a reason to lose my voice. It was another wonderful season…and I’m already counting down to training camp!

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Ducks in a Row…game 7.2

Posted on May 14, 2009
“You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a 100 percent effort that you gave–win or lose.”
-Gordie Howe

For today…

“Just do it.”
-Nike

GO DUCKS!!!

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