14th Annual Fedorin Cup

The temperature gauge in my truck read "105°F." But I wasn't worried about being the least bit miserable. This is when being a hockey fan in Southern California pays off in dividends.

What better place to be than in the crisp, cool environment of an ice hockey rink?

With the smell of the rink, the sound of the puck bouncing off the boards and glass, and the buzzing of starved hockey fans, Anaheim Ice was the place to be last Saturday afternoon.

Originally established in 1998 in memory of Eric Fedorin, a Californian hockey player whose life was cut short by brain cancer, the annual Fedorin Cup 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.

I've been to this event for the past two years and it always signals a sort of pre-preseason for me. Hockey's coming back, and the fans are more than ready.

This year's roster was a little short on the star power, but one star made up for that. It wasn't until the very last minute that we found out Teemu Selanne would be playing, but that didn't keep the fans from lining up hours beforehand.


Packed house at Anaheim Ice

The format was according to tradition, Team USA versus Team Canada, with any token Finns suiting up with the Americans. Rookies were linemates with local veterans and NHLers. Rosters included newly-retired Todd Marchant, fresh-acquisition Jake Newton, and perennial favorite Rick Hutchinson (all playing on Team USA); and journeyman Sean Pronger and ex-Duck-now-King Dustin Penner (both playing on Team Canada).

Let's check out the pictures!


I spy Teemu at the right end of that lineup!


Team Canada standing tall during their national anthem

Would it surprise anyone that Teemu got the loudest cheers?


Selanne and Team Canada captain Jason Marshall in the ceremonial puck drop


Selanne in his "office" waiting for the pass


You could feel the audience holding their breath every time Teemu approached the goal...

The Flash looked absolutely awesome out on the ice. He was his usual speedy self and, even though the hands looked a tad rusty, the huge smile on his face spoke volumes. The man loves this game.


Todd Marchant and Dustin Penner exchange pleasantries at the beginning of the second



Even the rookies got a chance to shine.


First-timer Erle Petrie lands one in behind goaltender Tom Spiers


Free agency signee Jack Newton, a defenseman that the Ducks acquired last year, also looked very promising. I believe he scored twice


A laser courtesy of Tyler Robertson




Team USA celebrating Robertson's goal


Selanne winding up...


... and chasing in the corners


I'm glad Marchant also got some love from the crowd




I tried to get in on Newton's game-worn jersey in the silent auction, but was outbid

Despite Team USA's substantial lead over Team Canada at one point, Canada rallied to bring things to a shootout.

Teemu always has tricks up his sleeve for a shootout. This one was no different. With speed, he approached Spiers, came to a halt and, as the goaltender lost sight of the puck and spun around, snuck it slowly behind his back through the paint and into the goal.


Another Teemu classic

The crowd erupted, of course.

The final Team USA shooter sealed the deal, and Team USA would win it!


The ceremonial postgame handshake


Everyone assembled for the group photo...


... and then individual photos with Teemu, who gladly obliged them all

I'm not going to ponder about Teemu's pending retirement decision. We'll all know soon enough. But if the Fedorin is any indication, I'd say stopping now looks like the last thing he wants to do.

Next up, the Ducks will open training camp on September 17th. Get ready, hockey fans!