2010 NHL Entry Draft

The NHL Entry Draft isn't something that comes to town every year, especially not to us Southern Californian markets. So, despite an 8-hour work shift at the job that actually pays the bills, yours truly made the 1.5-hour drive (including traffic) up to the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Outside the front entrance to the Staples Center, local radio stations, local minor leagues, and the LA Kings media had set up stands to welcome hockey fans and curious passersby to the festivities.


LA Live, decked out in hockey decor

Once inside the arena, vendors dotted the outer concourse. All of the NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup, were on display. As is always the case at Staples, lots of Kings-clad fans walked the grounds; but also in attendance, a fair share of Anaheim Ducks fans and a modest showing of fans representing the other 28 franchises.

Yours truly was excited just to see so much hockey in one place! (Yes, it's going to be a long summer)


NHL hardware


Lord Stanley, we meet again!


The view from the 300 level


The main stage, where new draftees received hats, jerseys, and handshakes from their new franchises


TV coverage for everyone watching at home



I will admit, the only reason I found the Ducks table was by spotting the one and only Scott Niedermayer sitting at the upper right corner. Scotty would hand the Ducks' 12th and 29th picks their new Ducks jerseys.


Scotty watching the jumbotron



Surprised that he was still available by the time the 12th pick came around, the Ducks took 6'1" 190lb defenseman Cam Fowler. He's a left-shooting defenseman from the Windsor Spitfires, said to be a good puck-handler and puck-possessor who sees the ice well and controls the tempo of the game. He's compared to Tomas Kaberle and Jack Johnson.


Ducks take defenseman Cam Fowler for their 1st pick, 12th overall


For their 2nd pick in the first round, Ducks take Emerson Etem, 29th overall

A speedy right winger who shoots left, Emerson Etem is a local hockey boy from Long Beach, CA with lots of promise. He mirrors himself after Marian Gaborik and has been likened to Glenn Anderson and Joffrey Lupul.

The second day of the draft saw far fewer fans in attendance. Six more rounds landed the Ducks six more draft picks: right winger Devante Smith-Pelly, right winger Chris Wagner (Toronto's 122nd pick in exchange for Mike Brown), defenseman Tim Heed, center Andreas Dahlstrom, defenseman Kevin Lind, and right winger Brett Perlini.


Ex-Ducks GM Brian Burke, possibly discussing his trade involving Ducks forward Mike Brown

Overall, I think the Ducks did well with their draft picks. I will be very sorry to see Mike Brown go; he consistently played with heart and determination, always bringing 110% to the ice. Hopefully he'll see a lot more ice time with the Leafs.

The next items of business for GM Bob Murray should be securing Saku Koivu and Bobby Ryan.

Oh Captain, my Captain

Only two franchises in the NHL can say they've had Scott Niedermayer on their roster: the New Jersey Devils, who drafted Scotty at the beginning of his 18-year NHL career, and the Anaheim Ducks, who would be the last to have Scotty skate on its home ice.

You don't have to be a Ducks fan or a Devils fan to appreciate what Scott Niedermayer has accomplished, and what he has meant for the sport of hockey. The man continues to be the most decorated athlete in the sport, honored with four Stanley Cups, two Olympic Gold Medals, World Cup, World Championship, Memorial Cup, and World Junior title. He did it all with the quiet professionalism Ducks fans, including yours truly, had come to know and love.

He has done more for the franchise than anyone could hope to recognize, and his influence will live on in the careers of every young rookie Scott Niedermayer exchanged words or glances with in the locker room. As hockey fans, we are so lucky to have seen this phenomenal athlete in action on a regular basis.

And even though the Duck faithful will be eager to fill the seats of the Ponda once again with the start of the 2010-11 season this autumn, it won't ever be quite the same without number 27 on the ice.

Thank you for everything you've done, Scotty, we'll miss you.

Headlines

It's been a while since the last entry in this blog. But I do hope you all enjoyed the exclusive interview with Bobby Ryan. Since then, a few notables:

- The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Kudos to the Hawks and Philadelphia Flyers for giving us a gripping series which ended with a Game 6 complete with overtime. As much as it would have satisfied yours truly to see ex-Duck Chris Pronger hoist Stanley again, it's also nice to have the Cup in the Western Conference. It was also nice to see personal favorite ex-Duck Nick Boynton get some time holding Stanley over his head.

- Sheldon Brookbank signed a two-year extension with the Ducks. This is a good thing. Brookbank showed improvement and promise in his past season with the Ducks and, seeing as Captain Scott Neidermayer may not be coming back next season, our Ducks will need all the help they can get on that blue line.

- Kyle Chipchura inked a one-year contract extension with the Ducks. Picked up from the Montreal Habs last season, Chipchura's grit and willingness to drop the gloves quickly made him a fan favorite. We'll be happy to see him back next season.

- Still pending, contract negotiations for Bobby Ryan. Bobby will be a restricted free agent come July 1st. The fact that we haven't re-signed him yet has yours truly, along with plenty of other Duck faithful, nervous. C'mon Murray, if you know what's good for you and your team, you'll sign this boy pronto.

- Also still pending, news from our Finnish duo. Rumor has it that both Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu will return for another season with the Ducks. I'm hoping these rumors prove to be true. Our Fins, along with linemate Jason Blake, finally found their groove towards the later half of last season. Given Selanne keeps his jaw and hands away from flying pucks, these three look poised and ready for a kickass final season together.

- The official 2010-11 NHL schedule will be announced on Tuesday, June 22. Grab your calendars and get those vacation plans penciled in. The Phoenix Coyotes have already announced their preseason schedule. Their first game, scheduled for September 21, is against the Ducks here in Anaheim.

- Los Angeles will host the 2010 NHL Draft next weekend. Yours truly will be there with Baby Rebel, hoping to bring you the scoop. Anaheim will pick 12th and 29th. They better make those picks good, I want another Stanley Cup in Anaheim's not-too-distant future!

Interview with Bobby Ryan (Part 2)

Welcome to Part Two of an exclusive interview with Anaheim Ducks winger Bobby Ryan. Click here for Part One of the interview, in case you missed it.

Ducks54: Do you and the guys enjoy the signs that fans bring to warmups?

Bobby: We love the signs people bring, especially the creative ones. We’ll acknowledge those and hassle teammates about them. It’s nice to know you have an effect on someone’s day, in whatever way.

Ducks54: Who is typically your roommate on the road? Do you have any crazy road roommate stories you can tell us?

Bobby: Last year it was George Parros. This year, it’s been a rotating system for me. I started off with Loops [Joffrey Lupul], but when he went down, I was with [Kyle] Chipchura, then [Matt] Beleskey, and then back to being with George. We’ve got the best room in the NHL! We have an ongoing wrestling match with Brooky [Sheldon Brookbank] and [Ryan] Getzlaf (they’re roommies) and that’s been in the process for over a year. I think we have the upperhand cuz George is always nice to have on your side during a fight!

Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan speak at the inauguration of the Corona Inline Rink February 16, 2009

Ducks54: I understand you play the guitar. Which songs/artists do you like to play, or do you write your own stuff?

Bobby: I picked up guitar in juniors and taught myself through books and online programs. I’ve only recently developed an “ear” for picking up tempos and chords in songs. I don’t write a whole bunch, I usually just try to stick with what’s catching my ear on the radio, and some classics. My favorites to play are Bob Seger, Pearl Jam, and a bit of Nickelback. I also like to play country if I’m hanging out alone or playing in front of people.

Ducks54: If you got stuck having to drive to a game in Phoenix with two of your teammates (that’s six hours of straight driving in the same car), who would your roadtrip buddies be and why?

Bobby: My two choices would probably be George [Parros], and either [Brett] Festerling or Boynts [Nick Boynton]. George has that upbeat style so he would provide the jokes. And I think Boynts and I would balance him out with our humble sarcasm. We’d be bringing him back into the car as he had his head out the window screaming the lyrics to John Michael Montgomery’s “I Swear” to passing cars. Fest would be my bubble choice because we’ve spent a lot of time together doubled up on the bus in the minors and had fun. But then again, he’s also a loud breather… and you remember how I feel about loud breathers!

Ducks54: Do you have a favorite charity that you would like to represent or be a spokesperson for?

Bobby: I did Points for Cancer years ago in juniors but haven’t picked it back up yet. Companies in Owen Sound donated money for every point I accumulated during the season and it all went to research in the area. I think if I did anything, it would be something along those lines.


Bobby Ryan generously donating his time to meet with fans for the 2nd Annual Joe DiPenta Lasagna Fundraiser on June 4, 2009

Ducks54: You recently bought a house in Newport. How is it being a homeowner in Southern California?

Bobby: I love Newport Beach, and being a homeowner is a lot of fun. The house was very bare all summer long, but it’s getting there. Luca [Sbisa] and I really did a good job of making it a bachelor pad, but Danielle moved in and put some touches on it to make it a “home.” We’ve really enjoyed the weather and the view. It’s been nice to sit on the patio and eat dinner. Big difference from Owen Sound or Maine, where you had to eat inside with a jacket on to keep warm.

Ducks54: If you weren’t a pro hockey player, what would you be doing for a living?

Bobby: I was always very interested in architecture. I loved designing how I’d wanted my home to be when I was 17, 18 years old. If hockey hadn’t panned out, I think I would have gone to school for a degree in that field.

Ducks54: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

Bobby: I don’t anymore. I had a Siberian Husky named “Blades” but I moved out West and Mom ended up babysitting for three weeks. Now it’s turned into three years and he’s become a spoiled brat and Momma’s boy. So I let him stay home with my mom and enjoy the cold weather in New Jersey. I’m an animal person all around and love cats. We have looked into rescuing two recently. I think I will probably have them by months’ end if all goes well!

Ducks54: Who is your favorite current NHL player?

Bobby: Without a doubt, my favorite to watch play is [Pavel] Datsyuk. To me, his skill level is far ahead of anyone’s in the league. What he can do with the puck is incredible! If you haven’t seen his [breakaway] goal against Chicago, you should take a look...



Ducks54: What would you say are the advantages of playing hockey in a small hockey market like Southern California? How about the disadvantages?

Bobby: Like I said earlier, I think the advantages are that certain level of anonymity. You can do things without being in the media spotlight all the time. That being said, we draw great crowds anyway, so the games are always loud and the crowd is with you. I think a disadvantage might be that California has so many things to offer, it’s a bit easy to get sidetracked into the lifestyle. But we also have a coach who doesn’t take many days off, so he keeps us in check!


Bobby Ryan is, so far, the only American-born Duck to win an Olympic medal

Interview with Bobby Ryan (Part 1)

Earlier in the season, yours truly was blessed with the tremendous opportunity to ask Anaheim Ducks winger (and personal favorite) Bobby Ryan a few questions. Thanks to various Duck friends, fans, and Twitter pals who also submitted questions for me to ask Bobby. And, of course, very special thanks to Bobby for generously donating his time and patience.

This is Part One of a two-part interview in which Bobby shares all things hockey and non-hockey. Enjoy!

Ducks54: Do you have any pet peeves? And if so, give us a few examples.

Bobby: I have a million pet peeves, but the biggest one is loud chewing and breathing! There are minor ones like traffic and slow drivers in a passing lane. Those really set me off too!

Ducks54: Where do you see yourself five years from now? Would you still want to be with the Ducks?

Bobby: I still see myself in the NHL and hopefully competing for a Stanley Cup. I’d prefer to still be in Anaheim, but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

Focused on the game, Bobby Ryan listens to the coaching staff during a television time-out

Ducks54: Who in the NHL have you, or do you, measure yourself up against?

Bobby: I’ve always tried to compare myself to Todd Bertuzzi growing up, but I kind of like the Rick Nash comparison better. I think we’re both big guys who use our bodies to create room, and help stickhandle through traffic areas.

Ducks54: Who’s your favorite goalie to shoot against? Who’s your least favorite?

Bobby: I think my favorite is [Evgeni] Nabokov. He’s a great goalie, but I’ve had some success shooting on him in the past. Hopefully that stays true, because it’s always nice to score on the Sharks! My least favorite is Manny Legace. He’s impossible for me to score on.

Ducks54: How do you get so much elevation on your backhand?

Bobby: Backhands are really only mastered through practice and routine. I can give you one hint, it’s easiest to start with the puck in the middle of the blade, and roll it towards the front to get it up. Be careful not to roll your wrist too much. People tend to think it’s a very fragile shot, but the more power you put into the flicking motion, the more height you will get.


Bobby Ryan is named the 1st star of the game versus the St. Louis Blues, January 7, 2010

Ducks54: Have you seen any good movies lately?

Bobby: I don’t see many movies in theaters anymore, but I do love spending a night in to watch a movie. I was given Blind Side on DVD; that was a great story with good acting. I also really enjoyed Invictus with Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman.

Ducks54: What kind of music do you listen to?

Bobby: If you were to ask the guys, they would laugh because my music taste is considered off the wall. I try to throw a little bit of everything in there. Country, rock, and anything acoustic. I can’t stand rap music unless it’s right before a game. My favorite artists are Matt Nathanson and Ray Lamontagne, and I’m really liking the new Dashboard Confessionals CD.

Ducks54: What’s the hardest thing about being a pro hockey player?

Bobby: The travel and, for lack of a better word, the fame. The travel is tough on your body and can be mentally exhausting at times. And you’re away from the people you want to spend a lot of time with. The fame, if you can call it that, isn’t always fun. I’m a quiet and private person so I like to keep to myself. I don’t always enjoy hockey conversation once I leave the rink. But in California, you do get a certain level of anonymity that’s nice to have.


Matt Beleskey, John Ahlers, and Bobby Ryan answer questions from the audience during their Rinks appearance December 14, 2009

Ducks54: Who is your favorite team to play against, as far as getting a good, challenging game going?

Bobby: I think I’d have to say San Jose, because you know it’s always going to be a tough, tight checking game. The rivalry between us is so intense, it’s nice to have some bragging rights if you’re the team in the lead!

Ducks54: You changed your number from 54 to 9. Did you know about the franchise history with #9 (Paul Kariya) and was it a consideration when you made your number change?

Bobby: I think it was always assumed that I wanted number 9. I knew about Paul and what he did in Anaheim. I wasn’t really concerned with it. Before a game last year, Bob Murray came in and said, “You’re wearing nine tonight.” I just kind of said, “ok.” It’s nice to wear a number you’ve always worn, but at the same time, I was fine with 54 and would have kept that one if needed be.

Please stay tuned for Part Two of this interview, coming shortly!