Today marked the "unofficial start" of hockey season with the 13th Annual Fedorin Cup. Training camp is only weeks away, followed shortly by the preseason. By the looks of the impressive showing at Anaheim Ice this afternoon, I think I can safely say that Ducks fans are ready!
Waiting at will call
Established originally in 1998 in memory of Eric Fedorin, a Californian hockey player whose life was cut short by brain cancer, the Fedorin Cup game raises money for cancer charities. Hockey pros of the past and present play a friendly game of puck, prizes are auctioned and raffled off, and hockey fans gather in the spirit of giving and preseason excitement.
Let's check out the pictures!
Standing room only at Anaheim Ice, tickets were completely sold out
Team USA, captained by Todd Marchant, consisted of notables like Bobby Ryan, Jason Blake, Mike V., and Luca Sbisa
Team Canada, captained by Ryan Getzlaf, consisted of notables like Joe DiPenta, Sean Pronger, and Dustin Penner
Bobby, Getzy, and Todd Marchant are repeat players, always good to see them again. As well as Phil Hulett, who lent his PA prowess as Master of Ceremonies once again. New to the game were Jason Blake and Joe DiPenta, kudos to them for lending their time to such a good cause. Teemu Selanne had been verified for the roster as well, but I understand he's still in Finland. Apparently, he RSVPs every year in anticipation that he might be in the country in time for the event.
Luca Sbisa, who may end up shouldering many of the defensive responsibilities for the Ducks this season
Ryan Getzlaf, captain of Team Canada
The starting forward line for Team USA: Marchant, Bobby, and Blake
The ceremonial puck drop between Marchant and Getzlaf
Ex-cup winning Duck, Joe DiPenta, who recently signed a contract with AHL team the Syracuse Crunch
Getzlaf skating with the puck
Marchant engaging in some friendly trash talk
Silver vs Gold... I mean, Bobby vs Getzy at the faceoff
Phil and Wild Wing auctioning off a hockey stick signed by Ryan Getzlaf
Getzlaf sneaks one by Team USA Goalie, Adam Lawrence
Blake taking the puck up ice
There was some impressive skating and stick handling during the game, but nothing too physical. All in all, a very good-natured game. I was particularly impressed by the skills of sisters Annie and Alison Pankowsi, both playing in their first Fedorin Cup. Always good to see the girls rock the boys on the ice! Team USA fell behind in the first half, only to bounce back in the second and tie things up before the final horn sounded. Oh boy, a shootout! (surprise surprise!) A quick wrister by Getzy would settle the game with a Team Canada win.
The ceremonial handshake
A smashing success, the Fedorin event raised $10,000 for Hockey Fights Cancer
After the game, the event would transition into a dinner and casino night for the players and VIP attendees
But not before fans got a chance to get pictures and autographs!
Marchant tackles a sea of hockey fans wanting autographs
Blake joins the fray
Getzlaf posing for a fan picture
DiPenta signing autographs
Great job, guys! Can't wait to catch you at training camp!
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
Sunday, August 29, 2010
13th Annual Fedorin Cup
Labels: pictures, special events
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4 comments:
Beautiful pictures and story. Thanks for sharing. I feel like I was there. :)
Thanks, Miri! See you at camp?
Thank you for all the great photos. I have Jason Blake on my Google Alerts and since he went to the Ducks, getting any info on him has been difficult. (In toronto if he sneezed on the way out of the rink, they'd write about it.) It looks like it was a wonderful, worthwhile event. Kudos to your organization & those that participated.
Dear 7th, thanks for the comment and thanks for reading. Unfortunately, the hockey market here is small so finding info about the team events here (Ducks and Kings alike) takes some snooping. But that's why I try to bring pictures and information to those who may not be able to attend events.
Jason Blake is a great addition to the team and I, for one, am excited to have him back this upcoming season. He has found magic with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne... here's hoping they have an excellent year together!
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