One of the most anticipated Duck gatherings at the beginning of each season is the annual Meet the Team event. This year's soiree was held at [seven-degrees] in beautiful Laguna Beach.
Picture by John Maioriello
Guests in attendance spent an intimate evening mingling with Ducks staff, coaches, and players which, as was announced earlier in the morning, would not include Brendan Mikkleson and Logan MacMillan.
Those two were the last of the cuts made to the 2009-10 Ducks roster. Not wanting to ruin the mood with too much analysis, I will just say that I believe the coaches were right in sending these boys down for more game time and learning in the minors. I am also glad that Luca Sbisa will be kept with the team and, most importantly, given the chance to learn from future Hall-of-Famer Scott Niedermayer.
[seven-degrees] was elegantly appropriate for such an event, allowing a cozy environment for guests to talk, take pictures, and enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres.
Picture by John Maioriello
Picture by John Maioriello
The festivities were complete with speeches from a few honoraries including Captain Scott Niedermayer and GM Bob Murray and a celebratory champagne toast to open the 2009-10 season.
Bobby will drink to that!
Jonas Hiller doesn't know who will be starting in between the pipes for Saturday's home opener against the Sharks, but he says he feels good about the season
Joffrey Lupul assured us that his back is feeling much better. He is expected to play this Saturday.
Evgeny Artyukhin, Ryan Whitney, Steve Eminger, and Luca Sbisa
My boy Bobby Ryan might have a little surprise for readers in the not too distant future...
Saku Koivu says he's loving the weather here in Southern California and that his family is adjusting nicely.
To check out more of John Maioriello's photos from the event, visit 944's site at: http://www.944.com/nightsites/gallery/meet-the-anaheim-ducks/.
Also, you can visit the Anaheim Ducks photo gallery page at: http://ducks.nhl.com
Get ready, Anaheim's first game to kick off the season is this Saturday at the Ponda. Hockey season is finally here! GO DUCKS!!
In praise of Bobby Ryan
"The biggest thing is just his poise and his hands are unbelievable. I played with [Evgeni] Malkin and [Sidney] Crosby, and those guys are probably the two best in the league. Bobby's hands are right with those guys... He's a superstar in the making, it seems."
---Ryan Whitney, former Ducks defenseman
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Meet the Team 2009
Labels: pictures, special events
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4 comments:
I have a guess on the Bobby Ryan news...
Oh yeah? Did a little birdy tell you? Keep mum until the details are verified =) ssshhh!
I somehow forgot to read this blog post, my bad. Great writing as always Chris. That night was so much fun! I would love to go again next year
Thanks! Maybe we should start saving now to go to Casino Night?
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