Hockey is here!

And the hockey world rejoiced as pucks were dropped on a number of season openers... Hockey season is finally here!

Our hometown heroes will have their own season opener in less than 24 hours. Only two other previous times in NHL history has there been so much hockey on one day. This Saturday will mark the third---all 30 franchises will be playing. Where will you be? At a game? Watching Center Ice? Watching Game Center? Listening to a radio feed? Yours truly will be at the Ponda hoping to see our Ducks start off on a winning webbed foot.

Until then, there are a few moments I'd like to share. Even though they aren't Duck moments, I think we, as hockey fans, can still enjoy the emotions that only our wonderful game can evoke.

First, Denver Avalanche's Joe Sakic's retirement ceremony and the raising of his number 19 to the rafters of the Pepsi Center...



The man is truly one of hockey's greatest. It makes me misty-eyed to think that we will see a similar tribute for Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer soon.

Second, the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup ceremony at the Mellon (in two parts)





The Penguins went on to win their opener 3-2 against the New York Rangers tonight, as their interstate rivals, the Philly Flyers, trounced the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. As much as I miss Chris Pronger, I was happy to see that he seems to be making himself right at home with the Flyers.

Let's hope the Ducks can deliver a similar trouncing, sans Prongs, at the Ponda. Go Ducks!!