In praise of Bobby Ryan

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

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Casino Night 2010

Time again for our Anaheim Ducks annual charity event and costume extravaganza, Casino Night took place at the Ponda last night. This year's theme? 70's disco.

I can just see Jonas Hiller shaking his head, "Wha?"


As attendees checked in, they were welcome to the sights and sounds of go-go dancers



The Ponda was transformed into a 70's casino, complete with flashing lights, disco stage, and lots of 70's fashion that probably shouldn't see the light of day.


Yours truly was told that attendance was a lot higher than last year's casino night

Proceeds from all of the casino games, silent auctions, raffle drawings, and the photo opportunity booth went to charity. I believe our boys were in an exceptionally generous mood considering the getup they were given to wear for this event.


Group photo of the Disco Ducks!


Back row (left to right): Evgeny Artyukhin, Steve Eminger, Sheldon Brookbank, JS Giguere, Jonas Hiller, Ryan Whitney
Front row (left to right): Brett Festerling, Dan Sexton, Matt Beleskey, Troy Bodie


Obviously, some of our hometown heroes were more comfortable with this costume than others. I watched James Wisniewski flip up his collar and show off his dancing moves for a few of us fans, and a couple of the guys even pulled apart pieces of their wigs to tuck into the tops of their shirts.


J.S. Giguere was in great spirits, completely playing up the 70s vibe

As is the tradition at these Duck events, Todd Marchant called a rookie up to the stage to talk about himself in front of the hundreds of guests in attendance.


Dan Sexton, trying not to die of embarrassment


Todd made sure no rookie was forgotten, he called Troy Bodie up next


Bodie was a little more at ease, as if he was expecting to be put on the spot

Yours truly had an absolute blast at this event, talking to the players, eating the food, drinking the beer, and rocking out to the 70s music. And, of course, taking plenty of pictures.


Kyle Chipchurra and Bodie winning big bucks at the roulette wheel


Mike Brown dealing at the blackjack table


Captain Scott Niedermayer and my good friend Suz


Corey Perry: "Hey baby..."


Brett Festerling at the craps table


Bobby Ryan told me that the league had already reviewed his big hit at the end of the Kings/Ducks game, and he wouldn't be receiving any additional penalties. Yay!

The next time fans would see the Ponda, the casino theme will be long gone, and our boys will be ready to take on the Calgary Flames. Go Ducks!! Although, there might be some leftover glitter on the ice...

3 comments:

Suz Broughton said...

It was a great night. I hadn't ever been to anything like this before and I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly the players and other Duck-Types were.
Thanks for the picture of me and Scott N. What a thrill to meet him.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for all the pics - almost as good as being there. Did you see the videos Wiz made? They were sent to Ducks facebook and twitter followers - hilarious!

Chris (aka Ducks54) said...

Suz - This was an awesome event! Although, I would recommend the Meet the Team event because the boys are more comfortable (the ones who are normally shier) and it's a nicer atmosphere. Plus, your pictures come out better because everyone looks so nice!

Judy - Thanks for the comment! And no, I didn't see Wiz's movies... do you have a link to share? =)

 
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