The boys are back in town - Training Camp 2010

You can literally smell hockey season starting... or maybe that's just the locker rooms. But either way, hockey fans came in droves to watch old favorites and new rookies alike don their skates at Anaheim Ice.



With Bobby Ryan safely signed to a five-year contract, Paul Mara most recently added on a one-year, and Toni Lydman out indefinitely with migraines and double vision, the roster is roughly that which will be seen at the Ducks' first preseason game (against the Phoenix Coyotes) Tuesday night.

There were a few "new" players I was anxious to check out (Andy Sutton, Danny Syvret, Cam Fowler) so I started off my morning on the larger, and arguably colder, Olympic rink and worked my way over to the NHL rink to visit perennial favorites (Bobby, Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Jonas Hiller, etc.) later. Oh, and to be in place for the scrimmage, of course.

I'm no hockey expert, so my observations are simply that: observations. I thought our boys, for the most part, looked good. Ryan Getzlaf's ankle injury appears to be well behind him, as are Hiller's back spasms. Saku, Teemu, and Bobby look great, as always. There's plenty of fight in guys like Stephane Veilleux (on a pro-tryout) and 2010 draftee Devante Smith-Pelly. Our passing could use some work, and I'm not talking about stretch passes, just ordinary passing!

Coach Carlyle has mentioned that Bobby will try his hand at playing center, and while I'm confident he'll do well (he hasn't floundered in that position in the past), I hesitate to put up any goal expectations in the sidebar for him this season! Maybe 30? Maybe 35?

Anyway, let's check out some pictures!


The Olympic rink boys watching a diagrammed play.


Jason Blake getting ready to fire one at Igor Bobkov while Sutton looks on.

I like what I'm seeing with Sutton. The guy is HUGE, for one, standing at 6'6" and 245 lbs. He's got great defensive presence, and I can't wait to see him in action at the Ponda. Personally, I don't think I'd want anyone else wearing #25 after Chris Pronger besides Sutton. Big shoes to fill, buddy, but I know you can do it.




Timo Pielmeier in the net.

I still like this kid, but I think he could use another year or two in the minors before he comes up.


Corey Perry and Jason Blake.


Aaron Voros and Kyle Chipchura, who's turning into a scoring machine at this year's training camp!


Curtis McElhinney watching Fowler, who's watching the puck.


Syvret, newly acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Also liking what I'm seeing from Syvret: a close-covering defenseman who can put a few in the back of the net as well.


Local draftee Emerson Etem, Selanne, and Koivu.

Didn't see too much from Etem on day one, but I'm hoping he warms up in exhibition games.


Hiller, with a new black mask, between the pipes.

You can definitely see a comfort level with Hiller, who himself has said that it feels better knowing he's our number one goaltender and he won't have to prove himself every night to get the start.

The scrimmage was strenuous, I felt tired for our boys on the ice! As the days of training camp progressed, guys would get more physical and aggressive.


Voros and Bodie breaking up Carter and Sutton as tempers flare.

(I managed to bring Rebel XL for one day for better pictures, hence the two different sizes of pics. My apologies.)


Sutton giving Luca Sbisa a few words of advice, d-man to d-man.


Koivu and Veilleux battling for the puck while Selanne watches.


Ryan Getzlaf and Matt Beleskey race for the puck.


Getzlaf and Peter Holland in the faceoff.


Bobby and Perry took off after the puck, but Perry tripped and fell while Bobby gained possession.


The boys stretch after an exhausting scrimmage.

It's so good seeing our Ducks back out on the ice. The summer really has been too long. The first preseason game is tomorrow night against the Phoenix Coyotes. Can't wait!

Ladies and gentlemen, hockey is back!

2nd Annual Anaheim Ducks in a Roll

One of my most favorite Ducks events from last season was the "Ducks in a Roll" sushi rolling contest for charity. I was more than excited to find that my Ducks were reprising the event for this season AND that it was going to be held on an evening I wasn't scheduled for work.


Fans of the Anaheim Ducks and sushi alike waiting for the event to begin

On hand this year, Ducks defenseman Sheldon Brookbank, and forwards Corey Perry and Troy Bodie. Ryan Getzlaf was originally scheduled to attend, but he didn't show. Todd Marchant minimally filled in, introducing the roll, but not getting his hands rice-covered in the process.

He left that to the sushi chef who made Getzy's roll sans Duck.


Setting up

I noticed big differences between this year's event and last year's, most notably the lack of any seating! There were considerably more people in attendance too, and standing room only appeared to be the rule of the evening.

For once, I arrived early, and was glad I did. My friends and I had one of the few tables.

There also wasn't a roped off "lane" at the sushi bar which, last year, had allowed the fans to taste along a moving line of sushi roll samples. This time, the area in front of each player was open and you could talk to him and watch him roll.


Troy Bodie receiving instructions on how to make his roll, The "Bodie"licious Roll


Sheldon Brookbank learning the technique behind his roll, The "Bank" Roll




Corey Perry named his creation The "Perry"dise Roll


Kent French returned this year as Master of Ceremonies

As before, purchased rolls donated $2 to the Anaheim Ducks Foundation and a vote towards that player for his creation as the "fan-favorite." My boyfriend ordered one of each roll early on in the competition, so we were one of the first tables to get our food. The ensuing attention from reporters and cameras was a little startling!


The "Perry"dise Roll


The Great "Getz"by Roll

I decided to pester the players.




Brookbank adding what I thought was his tastiest ingredient, wasabi tobiko. (That's wasabi-infused fish roe)

According to Brooksie, Getzy was MIA because he was recovering from wisdom teeth extraction. I think the boys were just trying to eliminate some competition.


Brooksie proudly showing off his completed masterpiece


Troy Bodie pretending to taste his ingredients


A finished "Bodie"licious Roll


Tim Marchant (he wants to be called Tim instead of Timmy) collecting a sample of "Perry"dise for the Team Marchant judges


Perry scooping spicy crab meat on top of his roll

Me, as I took a bite of "Perry"dise: Wait, did you spit in this?
Perry, with a smirk: No, not that one.



In my opinion, Getzy's roll was best. But that's because I'm not a fan of jalapenos and spicy sushi. Every roll had some sort of spiciness to it, but Getzy's was easily altered. Brookbank's roll was also really good, and it was the most pleasing to the eye.


The judging panel


Brookbank's roll sold the most, winning him the fan-favorite vote


But it was Bodie's roll that got the most votes from the judges. It will be available on RA Sushi's menu for the rest of the season


Corey Perry: "Whaddya mean I got the least votes?!"

Actually, Getzy's roll had the least votes, but I think that might have had something to do with the fact that he wasn't even there! People tend to like food more when it comes with a personality.

I said it last year and I'll say it again, if you didn't get a chance to go to this incredible event, make sure you do next year!

13th Annual Fedorin Cup

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!

New direction

The hockey preseason is less than a month away (YAY!) and I still do not have any Bobby Ryan contract news to share. C'mon Bobby, you're making us nervous here! There was a quick message passed to me from Bobby a few weeks ago in which he didn't talk about contracts, but he did sound very confident that he'd be in Anaheim once the season started.

All we can do is keep our fingers crossed!

One thing is for certain, the Finnish Flash will be back for another season with the Ducks. I was feeling rather confident that he would, given 1) Saku Koivu is returning, 2) it wouldn't be Teemu's style to end a career without a postseason, and 3) in games he was able to play in, he was still playing good quality hockey. But you'll never hear me say I told you so.

Mini-plan in hand, I'm ready for some hockey. Fans will get a taste tomorrow with the 13th Annual Fedorin Cup Charity Hockey Game and Casino Night. Todd Marchant, Ryan Getzlaf, Teemu, and Bobby are all scheduled to be there, along with many other NHL players. I believe tickets are still available. Click here for more information.

I attended the event last year and it was a lot of fun. Hoping this year will be the same. I'll have Baby Rebel in hand for plenty of pics and story to share with everyone tomorrow!

Go hockey!!