04/25/2012 9:24 pm
A few months ago, I wrote about my six-year old daughter’s interest in learning how to play ice hockey. We signed her up for the Learn to Play program supported by USA Hockey at KHS Ice Arena in Anaheim. I thought it was time for an update on how she’s doing…
Each time I get her dressed in her hockey equipment, we have a routine. She tells me which piece is next and then I help her put it on. Sometimes, I pretend to go out of order, just to see if she catches it, and she always does. The gloves are last, and I gently squeeze and count each of her fingers, making sure they are in the right spot. Then she grabs her stick and we walk to the rink door. She waits her turn and before she steps out onto the ice, I whisper the same words into her ear.
“Have fun.”
After completing and graduating the four-week Learn To Play program, my little six-year old decided she was having so much fun, that she wanted to keep playing. So the next step was to sign her up to play in the California Developmental Hockey League (CDHL).
CDHL is an in-house league and developmental program that introduces kids to the sport of hockey in a supportive, affordable environment. They play under USA Hockey rules and utilize USA Hockey developmental philosophies. But most of all, they make learning to play hockey fun for the kids, which is exactly what my daughter needs at this stage.
As a part of this transition, we now needed to purchase our own equipment. Using the loaned equipment from the Learn To Play program got us familiar with the pieces that are required, but I still felt in over my head. We headed down to Monkey Sports in Santa Ana and spent some time with the helpful staff there as we got my little hockey player outfitted for every piece of equipment she needed.
Her favorite parts are the skates and the jersey. Like getting a new pair of really fancy shoes, she loves to wear the skates and hates to take them off. The new jersey required her to pick a number for the back. She chose the number 6, because she’s six years old. And that made perfect sense to her. She’s very proud of that jersey. I can already tell that these hockey “firsts” will make their way to her keepsake box.
Transitioning from the Learn to Play program to the CDHL proved to be a bit of a challenge for her. While she had definitely improved her skating skills, she was not the fastest on the ice and spent most of the games watching as the kids who had been playing months longer zipped by her with amazing speed. It discouraged her. If you’re slow, you don’t get your stick on the puck very often. And if you don’t get your stick on the puck very often, you don’t score many goals. And when you’re six, scoring goals is a big deal. A couple of weeks into the league play, she sat in the car crying one Friday afternoon.
“I don’t want to go tomorrow, Mommy,” she told me. “I can’t skate as fast as the other kids.”
I’m sure all parents of kids who play sports have encountered this in their child at some point. But being a rookie at this myself, it broke my heart to see her tears. I talked with her coach, fellow Ducks fan Marc Posner, and he assured me this is normal.
“Just encourage her,” he said. “We’re going to work on getting her a goal tomorrow. It’ll be my mission.”
So John and I gave her a pep talk.
“Never give up,” we told her. “The more you practice, the better skater you will become. We’re so proud of you.”
She didn’t give up. She pulled herself together, went out onto the ice and got herself a goal that day. And since then, she’s scored several goals. She’s improving her skating and learning new hockey skills each week.
And she loves it.
I continue to marvel at the opportunity in front of her, the chance to learn to play ice hockey in this sunny, beach community. And for as much as she loves to be out on the ice, she loves other things too. The days she’s not wearing her skates, she has on her pink tights and ballet slippers. She can’t wait for her annual spring recital where she will wear a lavender tutu and dance across the stage like a ballerina princess. It makes my heart happy that she loves to do both.
Each time I’m at the rink with her, I see the excitement in her face as she smiles at me from the other side of the glass. She’s the only little girl out there and she doesn’t seem to mind. I don’t know how long she will want to play hockey, but we will support her as long as she loves it.
And we couldn’t be more proud of her.
If you have a child who is interested in learning how to play hockey, check out these links for more information on how to sign up for a free Learn to Play program near you.
wildcatshockey.com
ducksgoal.com
04/11/2012 1:24 pm
The Anaheim Ducks season ended last Saturday the way it started—with a loss, as the Ducks lost to the Calgary Flames, 5-2. There were a lot of ups and downs in between, but a season that ends before the NHL’s “second season” starts, is one that ends too soon.
I wrote last week over here about how frustrating this year has been for the Ducks faithful. I pondered the inherent need for fans to come up with an explanation, a place to put the blame, a reason for why this season was such a disappointment.
And then I decided I didn’t need an explanation. I had come to terms with it all. Because sometimes, that’s just how it goes in sports.
On Monday, the Ducks had their usual season-end exit interviews. It took me a whole 24 hours before I felt up to watching and reading the comments from the players and coaches. These are a few of my thoughts that I took away from their words:
I think head coach Bruce Boudreau will not accept the seemingly annual “slow start” from his players. And I hope those who are on the roster come September do not forget this feeling. Continually digging a huge hole in the fall that you can’t get out of in the spring doesn’t work. That cycle definitely needs to stop.
I want to see Saku Koivu back. This team desperately needs his kind of veteran leadership. Ducks radio color analyst, Dan Wood, said at the beginning of the season, “Do not underestimate the large leadership void that is left in that room with the retirement of Todd Marchant.” Indeed. The impending free agent Koivu says he wants to stay. Let’s make this happen, Ducks.
One More Year, please, Teemu. The ageless Finnish Flash played all 82 games this season and was the team’s leading scorer. For Ducks fans, this seems like a no-brainer. But it’s his call, and he always leaves it vague so he can decide over the summer. I respect that. Two months ago I would have said that the 41 year-old Selanne was done, but I’ve officially changed my mind. I think he will be back. I hope I’m right.
The outpouring of the fans for Teemu at the Ducks last home game was a sight to behold. By way of a social media effort organized by Selanne-Super-Fan, Vicky (@princessduck), Honda Center was filled with posters pleading for “one more year” from Anaheim’s favorite son. And Ducks fan, Frank (@macfrancis), reached out to fans and put together a book filled with photos of Teemu and his adoring fans to give to The Great 8, as a thank you. You know, “just in case.”
The end of the hockey season for me always leaves this gaping hole, especially if my team is not in the playoffs. But because I’m a hockey fan first, I will be watching the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, because I believe they are the best, most exciting games in all of sports. And because, “It’s the Cup”.
So, which team will I be following? Last season, after the Nashville Predators prematurely eliminated the Ducks in the first round, I took the suggestion of my good friend and fellow sports writer, Shawn Hutcheon, and decided to follow the Boston Bruins. I’ve always been a fan of their All-Star goaltender, Tim Thomas, and the Bruins remind me of our 2006-07 Ducks. Plus, they are in the Eastern Conference. No conflicts there. So I was in.
And what do you know? They won the whole darn thing. Coincidence? I think not….
But regardless, it was fun to follow, even if it wasn’t my team. The fans in Boston got to see their team hoist the Cup for the first time in 39 years. And this year they are out to defend it and do something that hasn’t been done since the Detroit Red Wings of 1997 and 1998—win the Cup two years in a row. It’s not easy to do, but this Bruins team seems ready for the challenge. If they don’t win it all again, I have a feeling the eventual winner will need to go through Boston to do it.
From the Western Conference, I’m going with the St. Louis Blues. They’ve had a strong, solid season all around. I’m still a fan of current Blue and former Duck, Andy McDonald. And the Blues are one of the few teams in the West that I don’t have any issues with. So they are my pick.
If you are a fan of hockey or want to check out what all the fuss is all about, you should be watching the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. All of the games will be airing on the NBC family of channels. Click here for a full schedule. It starts tonight.
Even though the regular season is over, we will continue to post here at When Girls Love Hockey throughout the spring and summer, including some videos and photos of some of the Ducks events that we attended this spring. So stay tuned…..and as always…..
Go Ducks!!
03/26/2012 10:36 pm
If you aren’t familiar with the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, it’s the beautiful “House That Love Built” located in Orange near CHOC Children’s and St. Joseph’s Hospital that has been serving families since 1989. The 15,000sf house with 20 guest rooms provides a place for families who have children in any Orange County hospital for extended stays.
Their mission of providing a comfortable and affordable “home away from home” helps to relieve some of the stress these families face while their child is in the hospital. Selections are made based on how sick the family’s child is and how far the family needs to commute to be near their child. The last thing a family needs in that stressful situation is to worry about a long commute.
Serving families who mostly live outside of Orange County, The Ronald McDonald House has also hosted families from other countries, like Australia, who have come to Orange County facilities for superior health care services. The operating cost is approximately $150 per night per family. Families are only asked to pay $10 per night, but no family is ever turned away for the inability to pay.
To help cover the operating costs, one of the ways Ronald McDonald House raises funds is through events like the 2012 Walk for Kids OC held at Honda Center.
This year’s 5K family walk will be held on Sunday, April 1st, and the organization has fantastic representatives serving as this year’s Honorary Chairs: the Niedermayer family. Yes, Ducks fans, you read that correctly. Former Ducks captain, Scott, along with his wife Lisa and their four boys will be serving as the Honorary Chairs of this year’s Walk for Kids .
Suz and I had the opportunity to meet Scott and Lisa at a chance meeting at CHOC Children’s a couple of years ago. Just a few days after announcing his retirement from the NHL, the future Hockey Hall of Famer was there with his family to visit the kids at CHOC. It wasn’t a press moment or a scheduled event. It was just Scotty being Scotty, because there is no ego with #27. Ducks fans would agree. If you haven’t read the stories about how Suz and I were just a wreck in his presence, you can check out each of our accounts of the story here and here.
And even though as a fan, I miss seeing him on the ice, we are very lucky here in OC that the Niedermayers have decided to stay and continue to invest their time in the Ducks organization and the community.
That same Sunday, April 1st is also the Ducks final home game of the season and Fan Appreciation Night at Honda Center. I think it would be great fun to walk with one of the greatest players to wear a Ducks sweater in the morning, while serving the children and families in our local hospital community, and then support our hockey team in the evening at their final home game.
If you’d like to join Scott and his family by walking, or supporting with a donation of any amount, click on this link here and sign up.
Hope to see you there!
03/19/2012 2:14 pm
I recently wrote about a new photo challenge out there for those who love Instagram and hockey. It’s the perfect pairing of two things that I love and I was determined to participate. You can see how I used the Hockeygram Challenge to document my love for the greatest sport on earth Days 1-7 here.
And now for a little update. Here are my photos for Days 8-19.
Day 8: Favorite Player: J.S. Giguere
This was taken during warm-ups at Jiggy’s first return to Honda Center since he was traded in January of 2010. No matter what jersey he wears, and even when he hangs up his skates for good, he will always be my hockey hero.
Day 9: Goon: George Parros
This guy is so much more, to the Ducks team and to the community. Big guy, bigger heart. This photo was taken during the Ducks holiday visit to CHOC Children’s.
Day 10: Ice Rink
My favorite ice rink is, of course, Honda Center.
Day 11: Prediction for this year’s Final: Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings
Wouldn’t it be fun to see two Original Six teams face off in the Stanley Cup Finals? Plus, I have a soft spot for those boys in Boston.
Day 12: Overtime
This is a really crummy screen shot of a really awesome moment. Game 5. 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Western Conference Finals. In Detroit. Overtime. Teemu. Forehand, backhand, nothing but water bottle. Probably the most memorable and important overtime goal in Ducks history.
Day 13: Hockey Net
Mini-Mite style
Day 14: Hockey Puck
From Corey Perry Night. #MVPerry
Day 15: Why I Love Hockey
Because I get to meet awesome players, like Hockey Hall of Famer, Jari Kurri
Day 16: Why I Love Hockey
Because it inspired my daughter to try something new.
Day 17: Why I Love Hockey
The handshake line.
Day 18: Why I Love Hockey
The greatest trophy in all of sports. Period. And as Adam pointed out, the greatest beards in all of sports. Period.
(PS: I miss Scotty)
Day 19: Why I Love Hockey
Because I get to watch my favorite team play my favorite sport in my Orange County backyard.
With 12 days left in the month, there’s still time to join the fun. Don’t have an iPhone? Word on street is that Instagram is coming out with an Android version “very soon”. For now, this hockey fan is using #Hockeygram as a way to get through the end of what has been a challenging Anaheim Ducks season. Win or lose, I still love hockey and I still love my Ducks.
03/16/2012 12:41 am
A little over a year ago, I wrote a post about a present I received from my mom for my birthday: my very first NHL jersey.
I explained the thinking behind my decision to put a player’s name on the back. It wasn’t an easy decision, as I am a fan of the Ducks, no matter who is on the roster. But in the end, I decided to go with the quintessential Duck himself, Teemu Selanne.
And I closed my post with these words:
“Thanks, mom, for one of my favorite birthday gifts ever. Now all I need is for him to sign it.”
Well, that night came this past week. And it was a “Finntastic” night to remember.
Wednesday night at Honda Center was all about Teemu and the Finns. The contest against the Detroit Red Wings started with an on-ice ceremony prior to puck drop honoring Ducks forward, Saku Koivu The Finland native achieved the milestone of playing in his 1000th NHL game two nights earlier in Colorado when the Ducks faced off against the Avalanche. As a cancer survivor, this was definitely a milestone worth celebrating for Koivu.
Later in the first period, the Ducks recognized The Finnish Flash himself. In that same game in Colorado Monday night, Selanne scored a power play goal, giving him 1,399 career points, passing fellow Finn and childhood hero, Jari Kurri, for the 19th spot on the NHL all-time scoring list. And on the JumboTron, there was Jari Kurri, a guest in Teemu’s suite that night.
After a scoreless first period, Teemu got the goal-scoring party started with his 660th career goal and 1,400th career point. The Ducks would score three goals in the second period and add one more in the third for a 4-0 win over the Wings, the first time ever that Anaheim has shut out Detroit on home ice.
My husband, John, and I were at this game as guests of Panda Licorice, the all-natural licorice snack company. The Finland-based company was also kind enough to allow me to host a blog giveaway to have a Ducks fan and their guest join us in the suite for the game and a postgame meet-and-greet with Teemu. Teemu is a big fan of the flavored licorice snacks and was set to come and meet with all of us after the game.
The big winner of our little contest here on the blog was Gennie Lindgren. Her husband Magnus (who is a Swede!) joined us for the exciting night. It was such a pleasure to meet Gennie. A true fan of Teemu and the great sport of hockey, she was over the moon about winning this opportunity to meet her hockey hero. No joke, she smiled for the entire night. Her gratefulness made the evening so enjoyable for me.
After the game, as we waited for Teemu, we were all treated to a surprise. Five-time Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer, Jari Kurri, came by the suite to say hello to the guests. Holy Finn! It was so great to meet him. His other media commitments didn’t allow him to stay for long, but I got a quick photo with one of the members of hockey royalty.
And then the big moment. The Great 8 came through the door. We cheered him for the big win. We congratulated him on his 1,400th point. We begged him to stay “one more year”. Teemu posed for several photos and signed countless autographs. All the while, he was his gracious, unassuming self. He probably still wonders, after all these years, what all the fuss is about. But that’s part of what makes him so great.
My goal was to have him sign my jersey and have John snap a photo. I’ve met Teemu before. I’ve even interviewed him. But this moment was different for me. It was a total fan moment, complete with the nervous jitters and a loss for words. I did thank him, for signing my jersey and for all he’s done. I think most fans would agree, words seem to fall short and could never properly thank Teemu enough for his commitment to Ducks hockey and the Orange County community.
So thank you, Panda Licorice, for helping fulfill a special moment for this hockey fan. It’s a night I will never forget.
Be sure to follow Panda Licorice on their Facebook page and on Twitter!
03/08/2012 2:29 pm
I’m a big fan of Instagram.
The photo-sharing app for iPhone users has been a great way for me to use this fancy camera in my phone and get my creative juices flowing in the simplest of ways. It’s often where I go when the words of Twitter and Facebook are too loud. I scroll through my IG feed a few times a day to get inspired. Seeing life through photos connects with me. And there are some very talented iPhone photographers out there that are doing some great work.
Recently, monthly photo-a-day prompts have been developed as a way for IG users to share their part of the world and connect with others on a daily, common theme. It’s a fantastic idea. I’ve enjoyed following those who have participated in the challenge, but I had not made the jump myself—until now.
It was February 29th, and I was debating starting the March Photo-a-Day Challenge when I came across something that sealed the deal.
A photo a day. For 31 days. About hockey. It didn’t take a second thought. I was in.
Started by IG user @hockeygram, the daily prompts are all hockey-themed. Instagram and hockey. Two of my favorite things, together. Awesome! And it’s been great fun connecting with other hockey fans on IG and seeing how they view what I consider to be the world’s greatest sport.
Here are my shots from the first seven days of the month.
Day 1: Hockey Stick
Day 2: Ice Skates
Day 3: Favorite Team
Day 4: Least Favorite Team
(full disclosure: This was the day after the Kings beat the Ducks in a very critical tilt. I couldn’t bring myself to use a quality image.)
Day 5: 2015 Stanley Cup Champion
Day 6: Jersey
Day 7: NHL
As you can see, my images are very Ducks-focused. No doubt where my loyalty lies.
The month is still young, so if you are an IG/iPhone user or want to become one, and you love hockey, come join us! You can find me at user name @jenelynrusso
Go Instagram! Go hockey! Go Ducks!!
03/04/2012 11:36 pm
A night out with your girlfriends, some champagne and Anaheim Ducks hockey—what could be better?
That’s what was featured as part of the Ladies Night Out event hosted by the Anaheim Ducks and Spa Gregorie’s last Friday night at Honda Center.
Before the Ducks hosted the Calgary Flames, the ladies who took part in this unique ticket package were treated to a reception with champagne and appetizers, a gift card to Spa Gregorie’s and a raffle that included signed Ducks memorabilia and fantastic Spa Gregorie’s gift packages.
After the reception, the ladies got to see one of the more exciting Ducks games of the season. With the hometown team still in a push for the playoffs, their match-up with the Flames, one of the teams between them and that coveted 8th place spot, was complete with great goal scoring, some spectacular saves, a few fights and a wild finish.
Needing desperately to win, and win in regulation, the game was tied 2-2 down to the last minute when Ducks captain, Ryan Getzlaf, scored the tie-breaker and game winning goal, giving the Ducks the victory over Calgary, 3-2. The emotion from the fans inside Honda Center was unlike anything I had seen in a long while.
Before the puck dropped, I stopped by and chatted with a few of the ladies. Some were new to the sport, and some were long time fans. But all of them were girls who loved hockey and they were excited to see the Ducks in action.
And you know what we say here at the blog:
When girls love hockey, good things happen.
Voted “Favorite Day Spa” for 2011 by American Spa Magazine, Spa Gregorie’s has locations in Newport Beach (Fashion Island), Rancho Santa Margarita and Del Mar
For more about Spa Gregorie’s visit their website, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Group image courtesy of Spa Gregorie’s
02/28/2012 7:22 am
The Finnish Flash.
The Great 8.
Anaheim’s favorite son.
Whatever you call him, he’s Teemu Selanne, long time Anaheim Duck and future first-ballot Hall of Famer. The Finnish native is one of the best to ever play the game of hockey, and we here in Orange County have been so fortunate to be able to see him score goals, flash that winning smile and hoist the Stanley Cup.
The NHL Trade Deadline came and went, and our Ducks team remains virtually unchanged. Just a few weeks ago, rumors were swirling that Selanne might want to be traded to a contender, as the Ducks were flirting with the bottom spot in the league.
But in the last few weeks, the Ducks have made a miraculous charge for the post season and, as a result, Teemu stays put. He says he never really considered leaving. And I believe him. He’s been undeniably loyal to Anaheim, calling Orange County his “happy place.”
Which is why I’m so excited to be able to offer one lucky reader the chance to meet Teemu, in person, after the March 14th game against the Detroit Red Wings. If you’ve never met him, he’s one of the most charming, personable and nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Hockey players are just this way, I think, but Teemu has that something extra special. He’s a true Orange County treasure.
This opportunity is being provided by the Finland-based company of Panda Licorice, one of Teemu’s favorite snacks. Here’s some information on the all-natural treat:
“Based in Finland, Panda has a long tradition of licorice know-how since it began delighting customers with the sweet in 1927. Since its debut in the U.S. in 1977, Panda still ranks as the first all-natural licorice and one of the top selling confectionery products in the natural food industry.”
And Teemu loves this product:
“Selanne has been a fan of all-natural Panda Licorice since he can remember. It’s the perfect piece of home for him and anybody who believes in staying healthy. ‘There is no fat, no preservatives, and the flavors are wonderful. It also helps that it’s from Finland,’ Selanne jokes, ‘But seriously, this is my thing.’”
And seriously, if it’s Teemu’s thing, I’m all for it. Here are the details of this awesome giveaway:
–2 Tickets to the Anaheim Ducks vs Detroit Red Wings game on Wednesday, March 14th at Honda Center
–Meet-and-Greet with Anaheim Ducks forward Teemu Selanne after the game
–2 Jerseys signed by Teemu
–2 Hats
–Panda All Natural Licorice samples in assorted flavors
Fantastic, right?
Teemu has indicated that this could be his last season. And while he has threatened this before, only to return each fall, I have a feeling that he may be hanging up the skates for good this time. (For the record, I really hope I’m wrong.)
So don’t let this unique opportunity to meet one of hockey’s greatest pass you by. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment below. Note: you must be able to attend the Wednesday, March 14th Anaheim Ducks game at 7:00pm at Honda Center.
This giveaway is open until Thursday, March 1st at 9:00pm. At that time, I will select one winner using Random.org.
Good luck!! And Go Ducks!!
This contest is now closed.
The winner is GENNIE LINDGREN!
Congrats Gennie!
02/26/2012 1:21 pm
The boys are back.
After a season-defining road trip that saw them travel over 7,700 miles to play 8 games in 15 days, the Ducks dominated, posting a 5-1-2 record worth 12 out of 16 points.
More importantly, that road trip put this team squarely back into the playoff picture, something I’ll admit was a total long shot just a few weeks ago.
After being 20 points out of the 8th place spot in the Western Conference at the first of the year, the Ducks (at the time of this posting) are 6 points out. It’s still a mountain to climb. While they may only be 6 points out, there are five teams ahead of them. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No way. They’ve got me believing.
Not only is this an amazing turn of events for a team that was staring at the #1 or #2 draft pick, but if the Ducks actually do make the playoffs, they’d also be making history.
And you don’t want to miss seeing the Ducks make history, do you?
Then get yourself out to Honda Center. The Ducks have 21 games remaining, 11 of which are at home, including three over the next six days.
If you’re looking for some ticket deals, the Ducks have a couple of packages that can get you into some of the great match ups including the Detroit Red Wings and the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. Here are some options:
Hat Trick Pack
–Pricing starting at $16 per ticket. Package includes:
–Tickets to 3 Anaheim Ducks Games
–Discounted Pricing over Box Office Prices
–Free Teemu Selanne Lithograph with Terrace Goal or greater (1 per order)
–Choice of three different plans. Click here for more information and to order
Pick ‘Em Plan
–Pricing starting at $16 per ticket. Package includes:
–Tickets to 5 Anaheim Ducks Games
–Discounted Pricing over Box Office Prices
–Free Teemu Selanne Lithograph with Terrace Goal or greater (1 per order)
–Click here for more information and to order
And ladies, here’s an awesome opportunity to get out to a Ducks game with your girlfriends. The Friday, March 2nd game at Honda Center vs the Calgary Flames is Ladies Night Out and for $80 it includes:
–Ticket to the March 2nd Ducks game
–$20 gift card to Spa Gregorie’s
–Pre-game champagne reception
–Entry into a raffle for great Spa Gregorie’s gifts
Space is limited and this sells out quickly, so click here for more information and to order.
And it’s not too early to look at season tickets for the 2012-2013 season. The Ducks announced recently that there will be zero increases in season ticket cost for next season. And 40% of season ticket holders will actually be getting a decrease, ranging from 2-35%. I known the season ticket holders in my family are happy about this news.
So whatever you need to do to get yourself out to Honda Center over the next 5 weeks, do it. Give credit to new head coach, Bruce Boudreau, amazing goaltender, Jonas Hiller, and the rest of the team for pulling it together and pushing for the playoffs.
They are winning because they believe they can. And they believe they will make the playoffs.
I believe. Do you?
If you haven’t read this absolutely heartbreaking piece by OC Register’s Jeff Miller on Ruslan Salei’s widow, Bethann, please do so. And have tissues nearby. I guarantee you won’t make it through without tears.
And if that wasn’t moving enough, one of the comments left by reader Steve Hodowsky really got to me:
“….we wish he was still with the Ducks. But who knows, in this very interesting year, he may just be.”
**Awesome “I Believe” photo image courtesy of Tony Busko
02/16/2012 10:43 pm
After enduring what I would call the most grueling months I’ve ever experienced as a Ducks fan, our boys on the ice have apparently righted the ship and are making an exciting run for hockey’s second season.
It goes without saying, I suppose, but Ducks hockey is way more fun when they are winning.
Currently in the middle of a brutal 8-game road trip, they have tallied 7 out of a possible 8 points and don’t seem to have any plans of stopping. This is an incredible run, considering that on January 1st, they sat 20 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot. As I post this, the Ducks are 6 points out.
6 points.
All of a sudden, the playoffs don’t look so out of reach.
Before they hit the road, the Ducks hosted the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes aren’t having the best of seasons, but they came into Honda Center that night winning four of their last six games and were looking to win their 3rd in a row. And not to mention, their goaltender, Cam Ward, is always tough.
I got to do something that night that I rarely get to do—watch Ducks hockey with my girlfriends. We were guests of The Smile Generation, whose mission is to “connect you with great dentists dedicated to delivering on our Right Fit™ promise: providing an exceptional patient experience and the most advanced in clinical care”. And not only that, but for every goal the Ducks score at Honda Center this season, The Smile Generation will make a donation to the Anaheim Ducks Foundation. I’m a big fan of any organization that helps support the growth of youth hockey in our community.
And score goals the Ducks did that night, three times. After trailing the Canes, twice, they found a way to fight back and send the game to overtime. Once into the extra minutes, reigning NHL MVP, Corey Perry, scored the game winner. A come-from-behind win? That’s not something we had seen much from the Ducks this season. But they did it, and it’s because they believe they can win every game they play. They’re a confident group now, and it shows.
Puck Daddy over at Yahoo! Sports posted a great piece today on our Ducks and their current winning ways. In it, there were references to the leadership of new head coach Bruce Boudreau, Hiller’s improved play in net, a stronger defense and Teemu’s “ketchup bottle” theory. But the best part of the article, in my opinion, was the title:
“The Anaheim Ducks are really going to pull this off, aren’t they?”
Oh yes, they are.
For more information on The Smile Generation and how they can help you find a great dentist in your area, visit smilegeneration.com
