Anaheim Ducks News for Wednesday

Well I've got another Teemu Selanne retirement update and a few other news items featuring Chris Pronger, Jonas Hiller and more!

Teemu Selanne Retirement Update and a little on Drew Miller

Teemu Selanne doesn't have a decision yet, but at least he has a timetable.

"I'll take this week, and next week and we'll see how it goes," Selanne said after a 90-minute workout Tuesday morning at Anaheim Ice.

It's the most specific time frame Selanne has offered for a decision on ending his unofficial retirement. The Ducks' all-time leading scorer began a skating program earlier this month and said he would have a decision sometime in January. The team has not pressed him to make a decision.

Read the rest here - Link

Varius has some reasons for Teemu to play

It can be said that Teemu Selanne, also known to many fans as “The Finnish Flash”, was on his way downhill after landing with the San Jose Sharks and then Colorado Avalanche. He failed to win a Cup in Denver with best-buddy Paul Kariya. He seemed to be done for. However, Ducks’GM Brian Burke decided to take a chance on him. Selanne did have knee surgery and a lot of time to rest during the lockout. Selanne also had some of his best years in Anaheim, so Burke took a gamble that paid off greatly. For just 1 million, he bought himself a 40-goal scorer as Teemu found himself a new man.

Read the rest here - Link

Pronger is going to savor the all-stars

”As a defenseman, you really just have to enjoy yourself at the All-Star Game since it’s obviously a show for the offensive stars in the League,’’ Pronger told NHL.com. “The games played over the past few seasons have been pretty high-scoring affairs and we defensemen get hit in waves. I still feel there comes a point in the game when the competitive juices start to flow for us (defensemen), and we begin to play at a higher level. You certainly want to put on a good show, but at the same time you don’t want to get hurt.’’

Read the rest here- Link

A nice profile/interview of Hiller

"For people who aren't close to the team," he says, "they probably think I sit on the bench all the time and do nothing."

Hiller is the Ducks' backup goalie, No. 2 at a position that accommodates only one. His team played 60 minutes Tuesday against Dallas and Hiller, predictably, played none of them.

He did skate in warmups, faced some shots from his teammates and even extensively stretched his groin muscles.

Then he retreated to the locker room, put on a baseball cap and later assumed his usual spot, near a collection of water bottles and the wooden bin that holds the rest of the Ducks' sticks.

Read the rest here - Link

Ducks vs. Predators Preview

The Anaheim Ducks have been a much improved team with Scott Niedermayer in their lineup. Most of that success, however, has come at home.

The surging Ducks play 12 of their next 13 games on the road, a difficult stretch that begins Thursday night against the Nashville Predators.

A career high-tying three points from Niedermayer and another strong performance by goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere helped the Ducks (25-17-6) to their fourth straight win, 4-2 over visiting Dallas on Tuesday.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN Update on a lot of things

The Ducks headed out of town this morning with a four game winning streak, second place in the Pacific Division (one point behind San Jose) and fourth place in the Western Conference.  The Ducks have put together two previous four game winning streaks this season - November 9 - 17 and December 18 - 27.

The Ducks will try to put together their first five game winning streak in Nashville on Thursday.  They also visit Minnesota on Friday and Dallas on Sunday before heading home.

Read the rest here - Link

Casino Night is coming.....

“Casino Night is always such a fun and fantastic event with a great new theme every year,” said Ducks owner, Susan Samueli.  “What remains constant, however, is our commitment to raising funds for Orangewood Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that positively impacts the lives of foster youth in Orange County.  We are proud to partner with Orangewood and support this important cause.”

Partygoers will have the chance to place bids on a variety of silent auction items and enter in opportunity drawings throughout the evening.  Silent auction and opportunity drawing items include tropical/mountain vacations, Ducks tickets and autographed merchandise and jewelry.  Admission to the Cotton Club VIP Lounge was $500 each and general admission tickets were $100 each.  For more information, please visit http://casinonight.p11.com/.

Read the rest here - Link

Scottie for the Hart Trophy?

There's not supposed to be any room for part-timers, at least not when it comes to considering candidates for major individual trophies.

Good thing, too, 'cause if they were awarding the Hart Trophy for league MVP honors solely on the basis of impact, without consideration to the number of games individuals have played, it would be a runaway race between two contestants.

Read the rest here - Link

Teemu Selanne Retirement Update

Via the OC Register

Teemu Selanne has begun a skating program on his own at Anaheim Ice, but that does not necessarily mean the longtime fan favorite is set for a return to the Ducks.

Selanne, who was on the ice three times last week and plans to resume skating this week, is still trying to gauge whether he has the desire to return to the rigors of NHL play, he said Saturday.

"So far, I don't know yet," Selanne said. "I'm going to skate for a couple of weeks now, start pushing more and more, and then I will feel for sure if I feel good enough. The good thing is I have done everything I have to do if I want to come back.

Read the rest here (scroll down past the Phoenix Coverage) - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Wednesday

I was going to wait until tomorrow, but the news on Pahlsson cannot wait until tomorrow.  I will post the rest of the news as well.

Pahlsson out for a few games plus other notes via the OC Register

The Ducks will be without their top defensive forward and best faceoff man for their three-game road trip.

Samuel Pahlsson will stay behind to rehabilitate an abdominal injury while the team plays Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver in the next four days, Coach Randy Carlyle said.

Carlyle said it was a nagging injury. He had been giving Pahlsson periodic days off from practice and decided to use the Christmas break so Pahlsson can get an extended rest.

"We feel at this time it's best give him three games, 10 days off so he can build that area," Carlyle said.

Misc. Notes

Brian Sutherby (groin) practiced for the first time in two weeks, although he didn't finish because of a broken skate blade. Sutherby will make the trip and said Saturday is a possibility for his availability. … Weight spent the break with his family in St. Louis and will join the club in Edmonton, Carlyle said.

Read the rest here - Link

LA Times Coverage

As one key member of the Ducks' penalty-killing unit begins his first extended trip of the season, another is staying home.
Center Samuel Pahlsson, who emerged as a defensive star during Anaheim's run to the Stanley Cup title last spring, will not make the three-game Canadian swing that begins tonight at Edmonton because of an abdominal strain, Coach Randy Carlyle said after practice Wednesday.
"It's just something that has been bothering him periodically," said Carlyle, who made the decision Tuesday. "It's best to give him pretty close until the new year."

Read the rest here - Link

Teemu Selanne enjoyed 2007

Teemu Selanne savoured every second of it.

Hockey's pinnacle moment in 2007, the awarding of the Stanley Cup, was as sweet as can be for the 36-year-old Finn, who finally won the NHL's biggest prize in his 15th season.

"What an unbelievable feeling," Selanne said after his Anaheim Ducks won the Cup. "I've been waiting a long time.

"There were some times when I never thought this would happen."

Read the rest here (very short) - Link

A Duck fan posted his photos of his visit to the Sharks Game(12/18). See all of them here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Wednesday - Non Game News

Here is the news not covering tonight's game.

AnaheimDucks.info has a great report on the cap issues involving Scott Niedermayer

The “tagging” issue, while only brought up this past week, actually started for Anaheim the day they extended Chris Kunitz. You see the “tagging” rule in the CBA applies in different cases; whenever a player’s contract is extended or whenever a player with a multi-year deal is acquired. In this case, acquired can apply to being called-up, being traded for, coming off suspension or being signed after Dec.1st in the current season. Due to the fact that the Ducks has to keep cap room open should Niedermayer return, Anaheim was strongly up against the cap when they began the season. They signed Chris Kunitz to an extension which averaged out to 3.725 million a season. Under the “tagging” rule, since Anaheim didn’t have current cap space this year to fit the average of the extension in, the amount is set as “tagged” salary for next year (minus the current cap hit of Kunitz’s expiring deal). Thus, we end up with 2.669 million “tagged” for next season.

Read the rest of this great article here - Link

Niedermayer covereage via "The Provingce"

There's no tree museum where you pay a dollar and a half just to see 'em, not yet anyway.

But the orange groves of Anaheim have long been paved over, replaced by parking lots and subdivisions and malls and roads. And more parking lots.

Anaheim is also home to Scott Niedermayer now and his wife Lisa and their three boys and, like Joni Mitchell sang, he didn't know what he'd got till it was gone.

"I was done," Niedermayer said on Tuesday morning after skating with a handful of his Ducks teammates for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup last June.

Read the rest here - Link

MVN has coverage of Scott's first team practice and other team news.

He certainly doesn’t need the extra practice from the conditioning end of things. Drew Miller, who also skated yesterday, commented that “Scotty was the fastest one out there.” Coach Randy Carlyle said that he “looks like Scott Niedermayer. All the things that you remember about him were very evident again just in the morning skate. His skating ability. The effortless way he moves around the ice.” Carlyle also said that Niedermayer is lighter than he was at the end of the season. While Carlyle meant weight, you can see that Niedermayer’s shoulders are also lighter. Mentally “I feel really good. Best I’ve felt yet. It’s why I’m back here.” When asked if he was refreshed, Niedermayer agreed. “That’s a pretty good word.”

Read the rest here - Link

More Niedermayer coverage from the Ducks Blog

“I was on the short end of a lot of jokes, but I guess that’s to be expected,” Niedermayer said. “It was fun, good to see everybody again and be on the ice with them.”

Instead of returning to action against Vancouver, Niedermayer is likely to make his season debut Friday against the Minnesota Wild or Sunday against the San Jose Sharks. In either case, the game would be at Honda Center, an idea that appeals to Ducks coach Randy Carlyle, who as the home coach would be better able to control Niedermayer’s ice time and matchups.

Read the rest here - Link

Selanne Rumors continue

NHL sources tell us Teemu Selanne plans to follow Scott Niedermayer by putting off retirement and returning to the Stanley Cup champions for the season’s second half.

According to sources, a verbal agreement between Selanne and Anaheim management already has been reached. Before the return becomes official, however, general manager Brian Burke needs to unload a salary or two — and the likely candidates to be discarded are Sean O’Donnell and/or Todd Marchant.

Read the rest here - Link

All-Star voting update

Ryan Getzlaf is eighth among forwards with 84,339 votes, Chris Pronger (133,259 votes) and Francois Beauchemin (103,071) are third and fifth, respectively, among defenseman and J.S. Giguere (68,472) is fifth among goaltenders in the XM / NHL All-Star Fan Balloting, Presented by 2K Sports.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News - The rest of the Tuesday News

Read the game post here - Link

Here is an update on Bertuzzi

Todd Bertuzzi said Monday he is still experiencing dizziness as a result of his Oct. 14 concussion against Minnesota, and the lingering symptoms are limiting how much he can do off the ice.
Bertuzzi did a light skate on the Honda Center ice, but his slow recovery is getting to the forward. He's played in only seven games since joining the Ducks.

"It's frustrating," he said. "Really frustrating."
Andy McDonald can relate. It took the center nearly two years to fully recover from a devastating hit laid on him in 2003 by Adam Foote, then of the Colorado Avalanche.

Read the rest here - Link

Ducks Vs. Kings rivalry gets name

Southern California hockey fans have spoken and selected a name for the local NHL rivalry. Following a seven-week online contest, “Freeway Face-Off” has become the name by which all future competitions between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings will be called. “Freeway Face-Off” received over 4,800 votes, besting three other finalists: “Freezeway Series”, “Ice-5 Series” and “Crosstown Showdown.”

Read the rest here - Link

Another article on Teemu and Scott

If it isn't being discussed openly, it certainly runs through the minds of the Ducks no matter how much they want to block it out.
The great question that has followed them from summer to fall has been whether Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne will return to the team or decide they like being retired enough to make it permanent.

And while at least one is skating and training again, the question of either returning won't go away.
When captain Chris Pronger was asked Tuesday about the fact that Niedermayer was skating again and about Selanne's appearance at Friday night's home game against San Jose, the defenseman said, "Are we going to talk about this again?"

Read the rest here - Link

Kondratiev goes back to Russia

Maxim Kondratiev refused assignment to the Anaheim Ducks' AHL affiliate in Portland and was suspended Tuesday by the minor league team.

The 24-year-old defenseman, who remains the property of the Ducks, has returned to Russia and intends to play for St. Petersburg of the Russian Superleague. He was with Lada Togliatti in that league last season.

Kondratiev made his debut for the Ducks on Oct. 6 and played in four games overall. He has no points, and was a healthy scratch for Anaheim's last four games.

The Ducks acquired him from the New York Rangers on Jan. 8, 2006, for Petr Sykora and a fourth-round draft choice.

Read the original article here - Link

Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer retirement watch no....4?

So still no update, but we have lots of comments from the guys saying they have not made up their minds yet.  One things is for sure, they both said the have not been on the ice in some time.  This does not bode well as it take a good month (according to Scott in an earlier article) to get back into proper shape. So if they do come back it is at least a month away if they started practicing yesterday.  Anyways, here is a bunch of articles on them.

The Official Ducks Web site report

Scott Niedermayer

(On the indecision about his retirement)
I can’t really expand on any answers I’ve given really over the last five or six weeks, nothing has really changed, it’s just that now at this point when I do make the decision you know finalize it, that’s really the next step. I don’t think I can really get into each day, each second of how I’m feeling or what I’m thinking.

(On what it feels like having to watch games) Well when things aren’t going well, it’s not fun, you’d rather be out there trying to help. I’m not saying that would make a big difference but at least you’re out there with your teammates trying to help that would feel better than sitting on the couch watching that’s for sure. It is a tough situation, especially with the way the year started for the team, that big road trip coming over the Stanley Cup win, it’s a huge challenge.

(On if he has skated yet) I haven’t.

(On when he may make his decision) I have a little bit of an idea in my mind, but I probably won’t share that.

(On missing being out there) Yeah, of course. It’s, you have a lot of fun, obviously there’s a lot of pressure at different times things like that, but in between a lot of that we have a lot of fun. Whether its in practice, on a plane ride, going out for dinner or in the middle of a game, it’s been my life for a long time, you definitely miss those things.

Teemu Selanne

(On the ovation during the ceremony) It was awesome. It was emotional too. After last year, it was so special for all of us.

(On his decision) I just try to listen to myself, if I want to come back. It has to come from inside if you really want to play.

Read the rest here - Link

An OC Register has an article on their status (among other things)

Fans in the Honda Center sellout crowd of 17,285 repeatedly chanting "One more year" during Wednesday's Stanley Cup banner-raising ceremony can rest assured that Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne heard it loud and clear.

The former Ducks captain and longtime fan favorite, each of whom has stayed away from the team this season while contemplating retirement, could not deny their emotions after being bombarded with affection as the club celebrated its 2007 Stanley Cup, Western Conference and Pacific Division championships before the home opener against Boston.

"We just tried to sort of enjoy seeing the banners go up," Niedermayer said. "To feel the fans' encouragement, I felt it. It was pretty convincing. I was just glad I was beside Teemu, because he's been here so long. I haven't been here that long. I didn't know what to expect. It was very nice to hear. I'll definitely take that under consideration."

Read the rest here - Link

The AP has an article on them as well

Fans chanted "one more year!" at Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne when they joined the rest of the Anaheim Ducks in unveiling the team's Stanley Cup championship banner Wednesday night.

Even NHL commissioner Gary Bettman chimed in, telling Niedermayer, "We, of course, would love to see you back" during the first period intermission of the Ducks' home opener against Boston.

Niedermayer and Selanne have yet to announce whether they intend to play this season or retire.

Both players definitely heard the fans' pleas of another season, and witnessed the standing ovations.

"It was pretty convincing," Niedermayer said after the first period.

Selanne added, "It was pretty awesome. It was emotional, too."

Even while they wait, the Ducks have moved on. Defenseman Chris Pronger was named captain in place of Niedermayer, and the team signed defenseman Mathieu Schneider from Detroit during the offseason as insurance in case Niedermayer called it quits.

Then, Niedermayer said he told general manager Brian Burke that he was leaning toward retirement at 34. But now, he said, "I'm not as sure as I was."

The Ducks could use their two veteran stars. Anaheim had lost three consecutive games heading into Wednesday night after splitting a season-opening two-game series with the Los Angeles Kings in London.

Read the rest here - Link

Anaheim Ducks News for Wednesday Non Game News

Here is the news that is not related to details of tonight's game. By the way, Pahlsson is back.

The Los Angeles Times has great coverage of Giguere's Beauchemin's, Kunitz's, Getzlaf's, Moen's, Pahlsson's, Selanne's and the Niedermayers days with the cup. They are called "Audio Galleries" - Link

An article on the banner raising, but more interestingly quote from Scott Niedermayer on his potential retirement

"Yeah, I'm in quite a different situation than I've ever been before," Scott Niedermayer said. "To be able to go there and be a part of putting that banner up to the ceiling, to be there to support everybody who was part of that, is a great moment. I knew it was going to be a big moment, going back to the rink, There will be some different feelings on my part, as to what the future holds.

"I'm going to have to make a decision sooner or later. I don't have a time frame. It's hard for me to judge 'soon' — within two weeks, or two months. I don't know exactly what 'soon' means. I hope the sooner the better, but there still could be some time here."

Red the rest here -Link

Ryan Carrter has gone back to Portland

Ryan Carter was sent down from the Anaheim Ducks to the Portland Pirates yesterday evening. This is to make room on the roster for Samuel Pahlsson who is coming off injured reserve. Carter has had a surreal life since last spring. He was called up to the Ducks during the playoffs and played four games for the Ducks, including one game in the Stanley Cup Finals. That earned him his name on the Cup and his own 24 hours with Stanley in the summer. Carter, along with the rest of the team, received his Stanley Cup ring on Monday evening.

Read the rest here - Link

Glass Seat Auction, get them for the Red Wings game here - Link

Earl from BOC has a look at the Ducks

After a road trip that can best be described as "predictably brutal", the Ducks finally raise their banners tonight in front of the home crowd--Scott and Teemu are supposed to be in attendance, so that should be an interesting ceremony, at least. I'm not going to overcriticize the team for the lackluster start, even though the last three cup-winners have all had excellent starts to their year: Tampa Bay took points in 14 of its first 16 games (11-2-3), Carolina earned points in 13 of 16 (12-3-1), and last year's Ducks got points in all 16 (12-0-4).

This year's Ducks have only taken points in 2 out of its first 5 games, but I'm staying optimistic. Here's some semi-random thoughts I've been mulling over:

1. Last year's Senators recovered from a brutal start to make the cup finals, so a rough start isn't insurmountable. Ottawa took points in only 7 of its first 16, but unlike the Ducks so far, the Senators' goal-differential was pretty promising. Just a side note on the Sens' top line: it took them less than 2 games this season to score as many goals and points as they got in all 5 games against the Ducks last spring. Just sayin'.

2. Fortunately, the rest of the Pacific Division has started slowly as well. The Ducks will have a games-in-hand issue as the season goes on, but I'm surprised nobody in the division has passed the Ducks in the standings yet. Last year, the Pacific produced three 107-point teams; so far this year nobody in the division sits above the .500 mark and every team is getting outscored.

Read the rest here - Link

Some coverage of the Ducks Stanley Cup event

Eight big floodlights started at 4 p.m., which didn't seem to make sense since the sun was still shining high above Honda Center.

But this was no ordinary evening at the hockey rink. The place was so decked out it looked like it was ready to play host to some Hollywood premiere and not the Ducks' home opener.

Fans stood three and sometimes four rows deep along the red carpet that stretched from the parking lot to the Southeast entrance of the arena. They waved towels, signs, jerseys and even stuffed teddy bears in a frantic attempt to catch the players' attention. Those stuck in the back waved their camera phones in the air trying to capture this historic moment

Jenn Pletcher and Stephanie Broyles, both from Long Beach, were some of the first to arrive, staking out a spot in front of the makeshift stage that was set up just outside of the glass doors leading into the Honda Center. That's where the defending Stanley Cup champions would stop for their TV interviews. Broyles and Pletcher said it felt like they had been there for five hours, but really it was more like 45 minutes.

An hour before the Ducks were scheduled to arrive, there were about 10 people waiting outside the arena, and Tammy Sides of Cypress was one of them.

Read the rest here - Link

Teemu Selanne & Scott Niedermayer Retirement Watch Part 3

Just to update you all, there has been no change in their status.  They are still undecided.  The way the Ducks have been playing, it would be nice to have them back.

Wednesday News - Part 1 - No London or Stanley Cup News in this section, wait for part 2

So what happens when the new NHL game comes out from EA?  Commercials!  So now we know one of the things Teemu did.... he stared in the following commercial with Henrik Zetterberg.  Also if you were ever wondering what stick Getzlaf uses, here is press release from Easton Sports with info.

Teemu costars in a commercial for NHL 08

Blast from the past Teemu commercial (in Finnish)

The Easton Press release on Getlaf's new stick

EASTON HOCKEY CREATES REVOLUTIONARY NEW STEALTH S17 STICK

Top of the Line Stick Emphasizes Energy, Velocity and Accuracy

VAN NUYS, Calif. - Easton Hockey, the designer and manufacturer of the No. 1 stick in the NHL, has introduced the StealthT S17 stick, the most technologically advanced stick on the market.  NHL superstars such as Ottawa right wing Dany Heatley, Minnesota right wing Marian Gaborik and Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf are enjoying the stick's new technology right from the start. With the Stealth S17, Easton has produced an industry-first elliptical design, according to Ned Goldsmith, vice president of Easton Hockey.
        "There is no other stick like this in the world," said Goldsmith.  "As soon as you pick it up you can tell it is something special - not only because of the phenomenal balance, but because of the totally unique shape through the elliptical section.  We can hardly make them fast enough."
        Easton's Stealth S17 focuses on three main qualities vital to every hockey player: energy, velocity and accuracy. The compression molded process used in constructing the Stealth S17 delivers the most consistent shaft in hockey, maximizing the energy transfer from your hands to the blade and thereby providing a more powerful shot.  Meanwhile, the innovative TORXT technology features an Elliptical Profile (patent pending) to help transfer torque from your hands to the blade for unsurpassed velocity.  Easton's patented Micro-Bladder process and Multi-Rib structure controls blade flex through puck contact to ensure maximum accuracy.
        "If I could hit a one foot corner of the net on a one timer before, I can hit a 6" corner now," said Ottawa right wing Dany Heatley.  I've never been more accurate or shot harder.  I love it."
        The StealthT S17 will be introduced in five unique patterns (Sakic, Forsberg, Lidstrom, Iginla and Iginla Jr) in both grip and non-grip models.  All models will be available at retail stores beginning November, 2007.

Go to Easton Sports for more info - Link

Part 2 - Teemu Selanne Retirement Watch

Teemu held a press conference similar to Scott.  No new news except for the fact that he reiterated again that he would only return to the Ducks. However it was an interesting interview so I have linked a few here.

The LA Times

Teemu Selanne remains in that netherworld that every professional athlete ventures into near the end of a career.
The same question is always asked: When is it time to quit?

Much like Scott Niedermayer is wrestling with thoughts of retirement, so too is Selanne.
"The decision is way harder than I thought," he told a small group of reporters at Anaheim Ice on Friday. "I thought it was going to be an easy decision and just move on. Obviously, everything has just been unbelievable here. When you have played something since you were 6 years old. . . . Now I know how players say how hard it is to retire.
"Part of me wants to play and the other part, right now, is not ready to do what it takes."
Selanne, who turned 37 on July 3, reached the pinnacle of his long career when the Ducks defeated the Ottawa Senators to win the Stanley Cup. It was the only thing missing on an accomplished resume that includes 540 career goals, including a team-high 48 last season.

Read the rest here - Link

Official Ducks Website

On whether Scott Niedermayer’s decision would impact his,

"I’ve tried not to think about that. Scotty has a very similar decision to make, even though he has two years to go on his contract. But I’ve been talking to Scotty about every week. And it’s the same thing with him. If you want to play hockey again, come back. If you don’t, it’s time to do other things. You’ve got to be very honest with yourself. But it’s an individual decision between the two of us, and I’ve tried not to think about what he’s going to do. But for sure it’s going to affect me a little bit.

"The guys have tried to ask me to come out and skate. One of the greatest things about team sports is the camaraderie with the guys and in the locker room. That’s the thing that guys miss the most when they retire.

"I’d like to make this decision as soon as possible, but I have to have a clear idea and feeling about what I want to do. I know when I watch the games and get a little closer to it, I know I’ll have the feeling about whether I want to play or not. If I’m not, it will be great to come watch the games. But like I said, it’s an unbelievably hard decision. I didn’t expect it to be this hard."

"When you retire, you'd like to go out on top and as a champion. And winning was so satisfying that my body has been mentally and physically empty since then. And that's why to come back it has to be for the right reason, and that's a love for the game and a desire to play. I haven't had that, but lately I've been thinking differently, and that's why I want to wait and see how I feel when the season starts. And again, that's why I'm thankful the Ducks gave me as much time as I need. Obviously they want me back, but they want me back in the same shape I was in the last couple of years. And I want to be in top shape if I come back."

Read the rest here - Link

Press Enterprise

While waiting to make his decision, Selanne is enjoying time with his family, playing golf and adjusting to the role of being a hockey dad, shuttling his three boys to their youth games.

"So far I have spent more time at the rink than during the season," joked Selanne. "All the practices at the different times ... I start to appreciate those parents (who are helping their children play)."

Selanne has also been speaking with Niedermayer, as they both contemplate their playing status.

"I try not to think about what Scotty is doing; he has (a) very similar situation," said Selanne. "Obviously if I read the paper and Scotty is going to play one more year, for sure it would affect me a little bit. But I try not to think about it."

Ducks fans are hoping they don't have to think about the absence of Selanne and Niedermayer on a permanent basis.

Read the rest here - Link

Internet Still Down - Today's Quick News

So it really sucks not having internet (2 days now). But I still have a job, here are the links to today's news. Note as nice as my usual posts, but I've only have a few moments here.

Scott Niedermayer will talk to the media today at 10:30. - Link

Scott Niedermayer will miss training camp and is still undecided according to the LA Times - Link

CBC has their take on Scott Niedermayer - Link

MVN has their take on Scott Niedermayer - Link

So does the OC Register - Link

AnaheimDucks.info has an interesting analysis on whether the Ducks could afford Selanne and Niedermayer - Link

Anaheim Ducks TV schedule has been posted - Link

Anaheim Ducks have extended their contract with KDOC (Thanks Hockeyfights.com)- Link

Anaheim Ducks Training Camp schedule has been posted - Link

Stanley Cup visits Chicago - Link

HHOF's Stanley Cup Journal was updated on Tuesday - Link

Keeper of the Cup photoblog was updated on Tuesday - Link

Thank you all for your patience while I deal with my ISP.

Tuesday News - Niedermeyer & Selanne Retirement Update

Well it was a news filled day.  I've got a small update from a reliable source on the retirement watch. I have a Bryzgalov video, Andy and Corey's day with the cup has been posted at the Stanley Cup Journal.  The Wild Wingers Kids Club renewals have gone out, and more!

Niedermeyer and Selanne Retirement Watch Update. 

Niedermayer, Selanne status known next week

Ducks General Manager Brian Burke said he will ask the players for a decision, probably this weekend.

By DAN WOOD

The Orange County Register

The Ducks expect to know by early next week whether to expect team captain Scott Niedermayer and fellow superstar Teemu Selanne on the ice when training camp begins Sept. 10.

It doesn’t look promising in either case.

"Obviously, at some point I have to ask Scotty if he plans to come to camp or not," General Manager Brian Burke said Tuesday. "I have to ask them both that. I probably will pretty quickly, probably by this weekend.

"My guess would be that they’re probably not. If that were their intent, I think I would have heard by now."

Read the rest here - Link

The Stanley Cup Journal has been updated with Andy and Corey's days with cup.

Andy

After returning from Russia, the Stanley Cup was the guest of honour of All-Star sniper Andy McDonald on Saturday, August 11. It was an early birthday gift for the high-scoring McDonald, who celebrates his 30th birthday on August 25.

Andy met the Cup in London, Ontario, just outside his hometown of Strathroy. He and his guests climbed into a private plane and flew to Hamilton, New York, the home of Andy's alma mater, Colgate University.

It was on this campus that McDonald earned his introduction to the NHL. Deemed "too small" to play pro, he spent four seasons starring with Colgate, progressing further each year: 19 points in 1996-97; 32 in 1997-98; 46 in 1998-99 and 58 in 1999-2000. That spring, Andy McDonald was signed as a free agent by Anaheim.

Corey

For a young man just turned 20, Corey Perry has already seen the halcyon highs of hockey. In 2004-05, Perry led the Ontario Hockey League in scoring as his London Knights steamrolled over the competition on their way to the Memorial Cup. In addition to winning junior hockey's top prize that year, Corey also was part of Team Canada's gold medal win at the World Junior championship. Drafted by Anaheim in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, he made his professional debut with the Ducks in 2005-06. Then, of course, in his sophomore season, Corey Perry is part of Stanley Cup history.

Sunday, August 12 saw Perry meet the Stanley Cup at the Peterborough Memorial Arena in his Ontario hometown. Joined by his brother and parents, Corey spent two hours signing autographs and posing for photos.

Al Coates

Before jetting off to Europe, Al Coates, the Senior Advisor to GM Brian Burke, took hockey's legendary trophy home to Listowel, Ontario.

It was a day of celebration with a tinge of melancholy for the community. There, in front of the library, is a monument that pays tribute to a horrific accident that befell the community at 9:30 on the morning of February 28, 1959. An accumulation of snow weighed down the roof of the local arena. Crackling timbers gave the peewee game in progress no warning, and the roof collapsed, killing eight and injuring 29. Seven of the dead were young hockey players.

 Read the rest here - Link

The Keeper of the Cup photo blog has been updated.  Here are a few samples

 

See the rest here - Link

Ilya Bryzgalov video, courtesy of No Pun Intended.  The video is in Russian, but is interesting - Link Visit No Pun Intended here - Link

A nice review of the happenings this month by MVN

Even though the Ducks extended their hockey season into June and the players are still taking turns with the Stanley Cup, it is inevitable by this time in August that we all find ourselves yearning for the season to start. Enough with the 90 degree weather - where is that refreshingly cool ice rink? The free season feeding frenzy has slowed to a virtual standstill. There aren’t even interesting arbitration hearings set (anyone else wish they had been a fly on the wall at Sean Avery’s?)

Read the rest here - Link

Rick Paterson had his day with the cup Monday

The Stanley Cup made its return to Tampa Bay on Monday - even if only for a day.

Treasure Island resident Rick Paterson, scouting director for the Anaheim Ducks, used his turn with hockey's Holy Grail to court it around several spots in St. Petersburg.

Paterson, 49, a former Lightning assistant and scout, hosted the Cup for the fourth time (he won two as a Penguins assistant in 1991-92). But this time has been more special: his wife, Kathy, gave birth to twins less than two days after the Ducks won the Stanley Cup in June.

"It was a pretty darn good 48 hours," Paterson said. "Won a Stanley Cup and had two healthy babies in 48 hours. That's tough to beat."

Read the rest - Link

The Wild Wingers Kids Club memberships are available for renewal.  You should be getting a letter in the next few days.  Here is what your little duckling gets this year.  The captain this year is Chris Kunitz and the cost is $20.  They sold out last year so renew as soon as you can and for those of you may be new fans, please keep an eye out for when they make it open to everybody.

One Ticket voucher to a select home game

Kids Club Hat

Kids Club T Shirts (youth large and adult medium)

Ducks Jersey Backpack

Duck Call

Calendar

Duck Tag - Glow in the dark

Discounts to various places (Ducks Team Store, Discovery Science Center, etc.)

Three in season parties

End of Year party

Weekly drawings to win Zamboni Rides and other cool stuff.

Wednesday Evening Duck News

There was a lot of news today.  Some of it bad (Selanne) and some of it was good.  So on with the show!

Selanne News from the official Anaheim Ducks Blog

We have a follow-up on that Teemu Selanne story in the Finnish newspaper. A fan named Jan-Erik was kind enough to provide me with a much better translation than the one I found from the online translator. Here it is:

Motivation completely lost

Teemu Selanne's return highly unlikely.

Family means more to Teemu Selanne than continuing his career.

It is starting to look quite sure that Teemu Selanne won't be taking part to Anaheim Ducks' training camp that starts in a month's time.

"Hockey has been my life's work, but there is a lot more to life than that. The thing I fear the most is that I would base my decision (about my career) on something else than motivation and hockey". Selanne told on YLE interview.

See the rest here - Link

From the same link it tells you how to order the commemorative book that I mentioned earlier here are the details

I've gotten a couple of emails from out-of-town Ducks fans asking how they can purchase the Commemorative Tribute if they can't get to the Team Store. Give the Team Store a call at (888) 438-2505 and they can arrange having one or more shipped to you. So, please do that if you can't get to the Team Store. It really is a nice publication. 

Also according to the blog training camp starts September 11 at Anaheim Ice and is open to the public. 

Earl at BOC gives Teemu a reason to stay

Not to steal any thunder from Rudy's hilarious post below, but today the Hockey News decided to break out their Finnish translators to report that indications are that Teemu Selanne is likely going to retire.

Just because the Hockey News is run by dunces doesn't mean that their translation is wrong--I've seen enough message board affirmation to think this is the way Teemu is leaning. All I can offer is one last reason for Selanne to consider coming back.

Read the rest here  - Link

NHL releases their television schedule.  This is not the whole Ducks schedule, just what is being broadcast nationally.

NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced the television schedules of NBC, VERSUS, CBC, TSN, RDS, HDNet and NHL Network for the 2007-08 season.

In the U.S., VERSUS and NBC return for a third year as the NHL’s national television partners.  In Canada, CBC begins its 55th consecutive year of NHL broadcast coverage while TSN – which began covering the NHL in 1985 – is once again the national cable partner.  RDS, the French-language telecast partner of the NHL, enters its fifth year televising regular-season Montreal Canadiens and other select games.  HDNet, a national High Definition telecast partner of the NHL, begins its sixth year of NHL coverage, while NHL Network heads into its fourth year of televising live NHL regular season games.

The NHL’s 90th anniversary season begins 45 days from today when the Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings open the 2007-08 regular season with the two-game NHL Premiere series at London's O2 Arena on Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30 (both starts noon ET).  The season-opening game Saturday will be covered live by HDNet in the U.S. and by CBC’s “Hockey Night In Canada.”  VERSUS begins its season with the live telecast of Sunday’s game.  The remainder of the regular season begins Wednesday, Oct. 3 and the 56th NHL All-Star Game will be played Jan. 27 at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

Read the rest here - Link

See the Ducks Schedule here - Link

Some more on the NHL Schedule

After finding success last season with flexible schedules of its “Sunday Night Football” games, NBC is set to copy that formula for its hockey telecasts.

The NBC NHL “Game of the Week” is set to drop the puck on Sunday, Jan. 20, with either the Boston Bruins at the New York Rangers or the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks at the Dallas Stars as the network readies for its third season.

NBC will be able to pick from up to four games for each Sunday’s telecast, selecting one of those options to be the “Game of the Week.”

Much like the flex-scheduling of its NFL games, the decision was made with an eye to ensure maximum relevancy for each telecast.

NBC will give 13 days’ notice of which game it chooses to air.

Read the rest here - Link

Bryzgolav has his day with the Stanley Cup. The link is all in Russian and has multiple articles and lots of photos.  This link is courtesy of Scotttishockeygod on the Anaheim Ducks message board (forum.anaheimducks.com)

The Russian Translation

The unique event will take place in Togliatti soon. The Stanley Cup, the championship trophy of the National Hockey League, appeared to be in our town on the 6th of August. Informational server TLTnews.ru is to monitor its way on the territory of Samara region.

Its correspondent meets “Lord Stanley’s Mug”, as it is known abroad, in “Kurumoch” international airport. The visitors of the server would be the 1st to get news about the Stanley Cup at every moment of its stay in the area. In order to know everything it’s enough to go to www.tltnews.ru/stanley_cup.php.

By now it contains a lot of information about “Lord Stanley’s Mug” – its history, the Russians’ names, who won the trophy in different years, the program of its stay in Togliatti. It’s also possible to get acquainted with Ilya Bryzgalov, the pupil of AVTOVAZ hockey school, due to whom people of Togliatti have opportunity to look at the Stanley Cup. Besides this, on the page one finds the hockey-player’s interview, where Ilya tells us about himself and his impressions of the victory in NHL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the rest here - Link

By the way Bryzgalov is a very funny and strange guy.  He is one of my favorite Ducks.  Here is one of the reasons why:

 

 

The Anaheim Ducks are participating in Project Playhouse.  This charity is to raise funds for HomeAid Orange County.

Project Playhouse is the unique fundraising event that benefits HomeAid Orange County, a non-profit organization that builds and renovates shelters for the transitionally homeless in the community. With immense imagination and craftsmanship, Southern California's premier homebuilders have designed, constructed, and decorated whimsical cottages that look like they have popped from the pages of a fairytale went to modern creations brimming with technology.

The Auction has been extremely beneficial to HomeAid Orange County’s Shelter Development Program. HomeAid was founded by the leadership of the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California in June, 1989 to help alleviate the homeless problem in Orange County. HomeAid is successfully mobilizing and utilizing the skills, talents and financial resources of BIA-member companies and the community to construct and renovate homeless shelters throughout Orange County.

Visit their website here - Link

Tuesday News

Well it was a slow news morning, but thankfully as the day progressed we actually had some news. The Stanley Cup Journal was updated with Selanne's day with the cup. Joe DiPenta signs a year of his life away, Rick Jackman had his day with the cup, Brad May is getting his day,

So Teemu got his long awaited day with the Stanley Cup. What ensued was nearly 48 hours of non stop fun. If he can pull that day off he can definately come back for a another season. Here is a small sample of the article:

Teemu met the Stanley Cup in Helsinki, Finland on Friday, August 3, and like the Energizer Bunny, he kept going and going and going.... Selanne was determined to squeeze every second of enjoyment out of his time with the Stanley Cup. Who knows, it may be the only time Teemu gets this opportunity!

At 1:45 that afternoon, the Ducks' sniper visited the Helsinki Children's Hospital. To see the astonished looks on the faces of the children was remarkable. Teemu Selanne is idolized in Finland, and some time ago, was named the First Godfather to the Children's Hospital. For the patients to see their hockey hero in the halls, saying hi and showing them the Stanley Cup, was almost more than some could stand. Teemu's smile was genuine and never-ending as he made his way from child to child with the glorious hockey trophy.

Read the rest and see the other pictures here - Link

The Keeper of the cup photoblog was also updated with new pictures.

See the rest of the photos here - Link You will want to push the button going left to see the latest pictures!

Ric Rackman had his day with the cup.

On a blisteringly hot mid-August day, hundreds of Barrie residents lined up on a small, but posh, suburban court to get up close and personal with one of the most enduring symbols of Canada’s favorite ice-bound game – the Stanley Cup.

And Stanley brought his pal Ric Jackman, a longtime Barrie resident, along for kicks.

Actually, it was Jackman who brought Stanley to the city, after being a member of the Stanley Cup winning Anaheim (no longer ‘Mighty’) Ducks.

With little fanfare and publicity, carloads of people lined up all afternoon to meet Jackman and get their picture taken with him and the Cup, as well as scooping an autographed picture of him carrying the Cup around the ice after the victory.

See the rest here - Link

Brad May is getting his day with the cup

Mr. May will take the cup to his cottage Thursday before it heads for Sudbury where it will be hosted by Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle and assistant coach Dave Farrish.

Wednesday's festivities begin with a parade along Main Street in Stouffville. It starts at 1 p.m. at the Tenth Line and heads through downtown to Ringwood.

Mr. May and the cup will arrive at the safety village at 1:40. Speeches begin at 2 p.m.

You can meet Brad and get your picture taken with the cup through 4:30. Due to time constraints, autographs will not be available.

Free autographed photographs will be available, courtesy of the Stouffville Sun-Tribune.

"For me it might be the icing on top. It'll be a great day to share it with people who I don't know but with people who I grew up with along with my buddies and family," he said.

"It'll be fun."

The Town of Markham has proclaimed the day as Brad May Day.

"It's amazing. I had no idea this would happen," he said.

See the rest of the story here - Link

Joe DiPenta officially resigns with the Ducks.

The Anaheim Ducks brought back a piece of their championship team on Tuesday, re-signing sturdy defenceman Joe DiPenta to a one-year contract.
DiPenta, 28, registered two goals and six assists with a plus-1 rating and 48 penalty minutes in 76 regular-season games last season. He also appeared in 16 playoff games during the Ducks' run to the Stanley Cup title, going scoreless with four penalty minutes.

Read the rest here - Link

Thursday Evening News

Well another Stanley Cup news fille day. I have some coverage of Teemu and Joe Dipenta. Ticket mini plans are available and so are some great new Anaheim Ducks T-shirts.

Ducks Mini-plan packages for the next season go on sale Friday - Link
Destiny is Heart Sacrifice and Passion T-shirts are on sale at the Anaheim Ducks Team store





MVN has some rumors - Link
MVN comments on the NHL.com article on the Anaheim Ducks prospects - Link
More Anaheim Ducks fan cruise photos - Link
Joe DiPenta shares the cup with those who can't go to todays events - Link
Another Joe DiPenta article - Link
Joe DiPenta Event photos courtesy of dagobert2 - See the full size photos here ->Link



Video from Joe's day with the cup





One More Video of Teemu's day with the cup

Tuesday Evening News

Well just a few quick news items tonight. The NHL has posted the highlights of the year and Giguere's 25th shutout and Teemu's 500th goal are featured. Scottie speaks out on of his other passions, one last goodbye to Shawn Thornton, and Teemu has some fun at a Karoake bar.

Giguere's 25th Shutout - Link
Teemu's 500th Goal - Link
Scott Niedermeyer on ducks (not what you think)- Link
Shawn Thornton making the change - Link
Teemu does Karoake (in Finnish) - Link

Monday Evening News

Hell All,

Well today was a lot more interesting than the weekend. We have a surgery, fund raising, guest appearances and more. So here is the latest in Anaheim Ducks News

Giguere undergoes successful sports hernia surgery

CBC Sports - Link
OC Register - Link

Giguere plus info on Bryz, Niedermeyer, Selanne and his off season by Burke - Link

Fundraiser with Anaheim Ducks Todd Marchant and Teemu Selanne and former Anaheim Ducks Noah Clarke, Craig Johnson and Sean Pronger. The event is on August 24 and 25. - Link

Three more Teemu photos - Link, Link, Link

Geztlaf interview on the 2 Man Advantage, you will want to fast forward to about the 4:40 mark.

Stanley Cup Fun - Teemu, Kuni, Getzi and more!

Hello all! It's time for some fun. Lets travel around the globe from Regina to Finland to see where the Stanley Cup has been. I've found some great photos and video of Teemu with the cup. Also the Stanley Cup journal has been updated with Kuni and Getzi's day with cup. Also the Anaheim Ducks have updated their website to include a history of the Ducks. So sit back and click away!

A look into the history of the Anaheim Ducks. It contains info about jerseys, roster, career leasers, captains, coaches, draft picks, major announcements, game by game, year by year leaders, hat tricks and leaders - Link

Stanley Cup Journal Update with Kuni and Getzi - Link

Photo Links
Teemu with the cup via Flickr - Link 1 Link 2

Video

Kuni with the Cup



Selanne with the cup - 5 videos, thanks MrJones36

Stanley Cup is getting its passport ready!

Hello All,

Just a heads up on where the Stanley Cup is going to be. The first three dates are courtesy of the print edition of the OC Register:

August 1-2 - Samuel Pahlson, Sweden
August 3-5 - Teemu Selanne, Finland
August 6 - Ilya Bryzgalov, Russia
August 22 - Tim Clark, Finger Lakes - Link

Evening News Roundup

It looks like the off season blues have kicked into full effect. I can not tell you how many different websites that I have visited for just a nirgil of info on our Anaheim Ducks. So without further ado, here are tonights links:


Retirement RUMORS/Facts - Not necessarily to be taken seriously but I will post it here because everybody loves a rumor. This one is courtesy of CBCSportline Here is the quote:

Don Baizley, Teemu Selanne's agent, told the Daily News his client would
not decide on retirement for several months.

Earl from BOC is going through hockey withdrawl - Link

Sean Skahan (Strenght and conditioning coach) gets his day with the cup - Link

A nice profile on Brad May from the NHLPA - Link

Some rehashed Scotty retirement article from MSNBC - Link