Up Close with Teemu in Anaheim

Following the 2012/13 NHL hockey strike/lockout, some teams made special efforts to get fans back in the rink. The Anaheim Ducks were one of those teams.

For their home opener, the Ducks planned a fan event where folks could interact with the team pre-game. Even though there was a light rain, the event went forward.

We found out about the event through Twitter. Right winger, Bobby Ryan (@b_ryan9) tweeted an invitation to the event that morning. (Thank you Bobby Ryan!)

Matt Belesky #39

It sounded like fun and we had game tickets already, so we made our way to the Honda Centre for 4PM.

Players were meeting a VIP group of sponsors in the event tent, then they made their way across a red carpet to the arena. There were about 75-100 fans gathered for the red carpet autograph session.

Players and fans were cheerful and both sides seemed to really enjoy the interactions. This was a first for this type of thing for my son & I. Since we were simply visiting California and had not anticipated this type of thing, we did not have an autograph book or anything. Players each had sharpies for signing, so that was a non-issue.

I thought we were clever and resourceful in asking the players to sign my son's hockey jacket.

It was really a highlight to see Teemu Selanne, a former resident of the 204. Though he was being rushed by security and was the most sought after autograph, he was amazing and took time with everyone. We chatted briefly about Winnipeg and told him we were thrilled to see him play as it had been impossible to get a ticket to last year's Ducks vs. Jets game in Winnipeg.  He thanked us for coming, asked if my son played hockey and signed CJ's hockey card. (I cleverly packed 5 Ducks hockey cards in my wallet that I had found in CJ's room before we left.)

Teemu Selanne #8

Other players who made an impression on us were Matt Belesky, Bobby Ryan, Cam Fowler, Luca Sbisa, Ryan Getzlaf and of course, Sheldon Souray. The two goalies, Hiller and Fasth were there too. Fasth is a pretty serious guy (see photo) but after seeing him in net and knowing that he's 8-0 for the season so far... wow. Seriously good!!!

Ryan Getzlaf signs a fan's jersey

Lastly I want to note that at the start of the game Ryan Getzlaf called upon his team mates and the Canucks (the opponent that evening) to centre ice and he spoke on their collective behalf. He simply thanked the fans for returning and believing in hockey and he vowed that they would do their best to earn the fan support this season and in the future.

Yep.... you had me at "Thank you." So, though I'm a huge Jets' fan, I'm ALSO a huge Ducks fan now. I love what they did for the fans that day and I love how my son's eyes sparkled when meeting his hockey heroes.

Goalie Viktor Fasth

Sharp dressed defenseman, Sheldon Souray