Ryan and Parros Visit Military at Ft. Irwin

Ryan, Parros Visit Military at Ft. Irwin Aug 13, 2009, 5:18 PM EDT
Parros On Friday, August 7, Ducks right wings George Parros and Bobby Ryan visited Fort Irwin, the U.S. Army’s largest National Training Center, located just outside of Barstow. The players made the two and a half hour trek to visit with soldiers on base, which serves as a final-preparation stop prior to deployment. The visit was coordinated through Fort Irwin’s Morale, Welcare and Recreation Department.
Upon arrival, Parros and Ryan toured the “Box”- a desert training area created to resemble Iraqi villages. They witnessed a brief combat simulation, complete with explosives, Hollywood special effects and acting townspeople within the villages. On the tour of the “Box,” Parros and Ryan met several high-ranking officials on base, including a personal greeting by Brigadier General Abrams, the Commanding General of Fort Irwin.


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“It means a lot to me to be here,” Ryan said. “Both George and I are American and we certainly value what these guys do and don’t take it for granted. We get to play a sport for a living, so for us to come out and communicate with these guys and wish them well before they head out, or just to mingle and sit back and talk with them is a rare event. It’s pretty impressive.”

Added Parros, “I think a lot of people would be surprised to find out what they do out here in preparation for sending those boys overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s pretty incredible. A lot of preparation goes into it, a lot of live-action role-playing. It’s pretty cool to see our boys are well-prepared.”

Parros has a cousin in the army stationed in Kansas and said, “He’s always in my mind when I come to things like this. My future father-in-law is a Vietnam veteran, so it definitely hits close to home.”

After the tour, the players met with nearly 150 soldiers and their families at Shockwave, a sports bar located on base. Parros and Ryan signed autographs, posed for pictures and conversed with the group, helping to boost morale. Following the autograph session, they accepted gifts from Col. Paul J. Laughlin, including a plaque and an army duffle bag complete with canteens and t-shirts. George and Bobby then presented a signed jersey to Fort Irwin, which will hang at the 21st Lane bowling alley.

Ducks Have Built Legacy of Success

STATE OF THE UNION

Since the NHL lockout, the Anaheim Ducks have 180 victories. Just seven other teams can claim to have reached or topped that total -- Detroit, San Jose, New Jersey, Buffalo, Dallas, Nashville and Carolina.

An average of 45 wins and 100 points during that period represents the longest sustained success for a franchise born out of the 1990s expansion out West and into the South.

Seven playoff series victories – including four in their 2007 Stanley Cup title run – in the last four seasons are tied for second-most in the NHL. Only Pittsburgh and Detroit, the last two champions, can claim such postseason dominance.

30 IN 30 SPOTLIGHT

Bright future helps Ryan address the past
Eric Stephens - NHL.com Correspondent
It hasn't always been easy being Bobby Ryan, but the young Duck has emerged from a tumultuous childhood as a budding NHL star. READ MORE ›
MORE 30 IN 30 STORIES › | 30 IN 30 SCHEDULE ›
Yet, when it comes to rattling off the names of the League's top teams, the Ducks aren't often among the first few mentioned.

"I don't think we're a name that jumps to mind but I think we're a name when people think about it a bit, we'd better include Anaheim," said Bob Murray, the club's executive vice president and general manager. "I think we're in that second tier, the type of team that nobody wanted to play in the playoffs. But I don't think we're the first name on anybody's tongue."

Surely, it has helped that the Ducks have had Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger – two Norris Trophy-winning defensemen – for most of that time. And they've had Hall of Fame-bound sniper Teemu Selanne, plus Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Jean-Sebastien Giguere.

But Murray has worked hard to keep the run of success going since taking over for Brian Burke last November, going so far as to break off a number of parts of that Cup team to bring in new and, more importantly, younger blood.

Murray sent away Chris Kunitz, who won his second Cup with Pittsburgh, and Samuel Pahlsson, one of the League's top shutdown centers, to rebuild the back end with Ryan Whitney and James Wisniewski in separate deals this past spring. Serviceable performers in Travis Moen and Kent Huskins netted young prospects at the trade deadline.

Another bold move came at the Entry Draft when Murray traded Pronger to Philadelphia and got back a large haul -- proven goal-scoring winger Joffrey Lupul, talented 19-year-old puck-mover Luca Sbisa and two first-round picks.

But the real coup could come in the form of signing long-time Montreal captain Saku Koivu, a free agent who was no longer wanted by the Canadiens. The Ducks are hoping that the highly respected Koivu, an eight-time 50-point scorer, is the answer to their lengthy search for a second-line center.

"The longer you go with a good, competitive team, the tougher it gets to keep it that way. Obviously some things come to an end at some point. At some point, we'll have to tell ownership we may be doing something different. I'm not ready for that point." - Bob MurrayMurray, a former longtime Chicago Blackhawks defenseman, kept an eye on the blue line by signing veterans Nick Boynton and Steve McCarthy to help ease the loss of Pronger and Francois Beauchemin.

All the while, the former Burke lieutenant managed to slash some payroll and pull his club back from the salary-cap cliff. Murray said Assistant General Manager David McNab and directing of pro scouting Rick Paterson have played a large role in his maneuvers.

"First and foremost, you have to have a staff that finds players," Murray said. "Obviously, if you're not rebuilding, you're finding players somewhere else. You're re-energizing your lineup with people other than draft picks.

"The only other way to rebuild is to go to the bottom, like say Pittsburgh, Chicago and Phoenix, and do it that way. There's different ways but you have to have a good staff. [Detroit GM] Kenny Holland will tell you have that he has a great staff. You have to have a good staff and you have to trust your staff."

OFFSEASON ACTIVITY


Arrivals: Nick Boynton, D, Florida; Saku Koivu, C, Montreal; Joffrey Lupul, F, Philadelphia; Luca Sbisa, D, Philadelphia

Departures: Francois Beauchemin, D, Toronto; Chris Pronger, D, Philadelphia

Remaining Free Agents: Eric Boguniecki, UFA; Josh Green, UFA; Bret Hedican, UFA; Jason King, UFA; Brad Larsen, UFA; Rob Niedermayer, UFA
Another thing that drives Murray to remain competitive is the widespread and fickle Southern California market, where casual fans tend to follow a winner. Falling to the bottom of the standings and starting anew means you'll be ignored.

"I don't think our market would accept that," Murray said. "I think some markets who will have fans no matter what will. But Chicago didn't really like it. Pittsburgh didn't like it. Some places like Toronto -- you can do it and not hurt your base. Doing it in Anaheim would be a recipe for disaster."

The fact is the savvy GM saw no reason to tear things down when his team was sitting outside the playoff picture at the trade deadline last March. And with Niedermayer and Selanne back for perhaps a final season – something that's now closer to reality – Murray is again willing to go for the Cup while also building for the future.

As he said back in May following their seven-game Western Conference semifinal loss to Detroit, "Rebuilding is not in our vocabulary right now. I don't like that word."

"The longer you go with a good, competitive team, the tougher it gets to keep it that way," Murray said last week. "Obviously some things come to an end at some point. At some point, we'll have to tell ownership we may be doing something different.

I'm not ready for that point."

FIVE GAMES NOT TO MISS

Oct. 3 vs. San Jose -- The new-look Ducks receive a stern opening-night test as the rival Sharks, the best team in the West last season, comes a calling.

Oct. 10 at Philadelphia -- Hulking defenseman Chris Pronger, who was traded by the Ducks to the Flyers in June, plays his first game against his former teammates.

Nov. 3 vs. Pittsburgh -- The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, with former Duck Chris Kunitz in tow, make a Southern California road swing that includes a stop at The Pond.

Jan. 5 vs. Detroit -- The Red Wings make a first visit to Anaheim, sure to meet a hostile crowd looking for payback after the Red Wings eliminated the Ducks in a thrilling seven-game playoff series.

April 6 vs. Los Angeles -- This game is the final installment of what should be the most-entertaining rivalry between these California neighbors in recent memory.
PROSPECT ROUNDUP

Now that Bobby Ryan is in the NHL for good after a 31-goal rookie season, and hard-working forwards Ryan Carter, Andrew Ebbett and Drew Miller have earned promotions, Anaheim finds itself in dire need of finding some impact players among its most recent high draft picks.

Since drafting Ryan No. 2 in 2005, the Ducks have had their longest stretch of success as a franchise and have thus picked in the middle of the first round or lower. There isn't much yet at the AHL level, particularly up front with Eric Tangradi, Eric O'Dell and Ryan Dingle sent away in trades.

It will take time for Anaheim to replenish itself, although GM Bob Murray has worked to bring in prospects from other organizations and secure draft picks through some of his deals.

Here's a look at the five biggest prospects on the horizon for the Ducks:

Jake Gardiner – Already compared to Scott Niedermayer because of his effortless skating, Gardiner landed on the top defense pairing in his first season at Wisconsin and the club's No. 1 pick in 2008 displayed his offensive ability. Has good size but could further fill out 6-foot-2 frame. There's no need to rush the Ducks' future power-play quarterback.

Mark Mitera – Anaheim will look closely at the former Michigan standout, who'll have a full season in the AHL to display his classic shut-down game on the blue line. At 6-3 and 213 pounds, the Ducks' top pick in 2006 has recovered from a torn ACL and could challenge for a roster spot in 2010-11 unless he has a big camp in September.

Brian Salcido – A local boy from Hermosa Beach, Calif., Salcido got a two-game look by the Ducks before spending the rest of the season with Iowa. The Colorado College product puts up points from the blue line but his work in the defensive end is suspect. Might be now or never in Anaheim for the 24-year-old.

Brendan Mikkelson – Because of injuries to the Ducks' defense corps, Mikkelson got a long look by the parent club as he appeared in 34 games. The 22-year-old Regina native, a second-round pick in 2005, should serve as an injury call-up or could battle Sheldon Brookbank for the No. 6 defense spot.

Matt Beleskey – A power forward in the making, the 21-year-old Beleskey followed up a strong final OHL season with Belleville (41 goals, 49 assists) by going 11-24-35 in 58 games with the Iowa Chops this past season. Ideal situation for Beleskey would be to improve on 2008-09 numbers in AHL and position himself for a real look in 2010-11.

DRAFT RECAP

If there was a specific theme to the Ducks' draft selections this past June, well, good luck trying to find it.

General Manager Bob Murray insists that he had no particular goal in mind other than to pick the best player available with the No. 15 pick and then fill some organizational needs in the later rounds.

As a result, Murray tapped almost every kind of player at the 2009 Entry Draft to replenish a system that is dried up in available top-end talent.

"I don't go with theme early in the draft," Murray said. "You take the best player early and then as you get into the later rounds, you have some needs that you'd like to fill."

Here is a look at the seven players the Ducks selected in Montreal this June:

Peter Holland -- In need of some offensive skill in the middle, the Ducks figured they could go for this 6-foot-1, 188-pound Toronto native who put up 28 goals and 39 assists in his second OHL season with Guelph. The question with the No. 15 pick isn't his ability, but whether he's willing to bring it every night.

Kyle Palmieri -- The Ducks' second pick of the first round is expected to go to Notre Dame. Some issues were raised after a rules violation got him dropped from the U.S. National Team Developmental Program, but no one questions this speedy and feisty 5-foot-10, 191-pound forward's effort.

Matt Clark -- The Ducks have some solid defense prospects in the system and the blue-line talent could keep flowing with Clark, a 6-3, 205-pound stay-at-home type who had 3 goals and 20 assists in first season for Brampton of the OHL.

Igor Bobkov -- Bereft of goaltending prospects, Anaheim grabbed the lone Russian netminder drafted. Bobkov is big (6-3, 192 pounds) and athletic but needs to further hone his technical skills. He was the top goalie in 2009 U-18 World Championships.

Sami Vatanen -- Size could be a big issue with the 5-9, 163-pound Finnish defenseman, but Vatanen, who turned 18 on June 3, can skate and run a power play. Good leadership skills.

Radoslav Illo -- Came from native Slovakia to put up 21 goals and 12 assists with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. Needs work in defensive end and must bulk up 6-foot, 161-pound frame.

Scott Valentine -- This player enjoys the rough stuff and has some offensive tools, but is average in size(6-foot, 196 pounds) and lacks polish. He could work his way into club's future with big OHL season.


Author: Eric Stephens | NHL.com Correspondent

Honda Ridgeline Video

The Octopus and the Orange

We all know that there will be somebody in the arena tonight that will be smuggling octopuses in there pants in hopes of them lobbing them to the ice after a Ducks loss. I must say I cannot wait for those avid Wings transplants to have to sit through a whole game with a smelly octopus's under the chairs wondering when they will be able to get rid of it after of which I predict will be a “sucky” loss.

Tradition, ah yes, more specifically hockey tradition lends it self to such idiosyncrasies of a fans imagination. The "Legend of the Octopus" is one of the most famous legends in hockey history. Red Wings fan’s thing it brings good luck.

The eight legs were purportedly symbolic of the eight wins it took to win the Stanley Cup at the time. The Red Wings went on to sweep both of their opponents that year en route to a Stanley Cup championship. The NHL has, at various times, tried to eliminate this tradition but it continues to this day.

So what about us? What do you think of tossing oranges to the ice. I mean as far as weight goes I think it’s about the same than some blubbery octopus? Anyone want to google it. The oranges on the ice could be easily smuggled by men, possibly some women.(front butts). Oranges Hmm? I don’t know. Okay if somebody wants to try it I swear I will love you forever. I would do it myself but I have no tickets to the game - I have my own hockey game I have to play in tonight.

So if anybody wants to get a little creative with this thought let me know. Anaheim needs it’s own traditions now. We are making history, we have made history, we are becoming one of the best teams in the NHL and are building a better team everyday. So good luck Ducks and I’m out.

Scotty G

Ducks - Let's Keep it that way

California hockey fans are alive and well. Don’t forget we have not seen a playoff series between two close native teams since 1969. The last time California hockey were this restless was when the Kings acquired Gretzky.

No doubt the team has been through a little adversity and doubt in the last ten games or so but a clear solid Game Four tells the story of triumph.

So in light of recent events I think we can all say... "Let's keep it that way." I have outlined a few unfortunate truths that seem self evident among hard core Ducks fans. Here are some truths. Please feel free to add any if you think of some.

1. The penalties against the “Big Bad Ducks” are ridiculously unfair. But hey, “Let’s keep it that way” this will help us pay more attention.

The Ducks seem to have learned some valuable lessons. Unfortunately, it took them all season to figure it out – taking penalties tire your offense too! Game 4 we only took 2 penalties and San Jose gave us 5 power play opportunities. Looks like we are being more careful now. If Coach Randy was telling them stop taking penalties they weren’t listening until now.

2. Generally the hockey population looks at Ducks fans as stupid and misinformed.

Tell that to the three Canadians who sat next to me during one Ducks game who when they saw a fight break out three rows behind me then said, “You guys are F’n crazy!” But hey, “Let’s keep it that way.” Thursday’s Game 5 I got two tickets on the glass for $100 each. If it’s not the most popular thing to do in Anaheim so what! I love Hockey.


3. NHL.com is the weakest on ducks coverage online and the Verses show “On the Fly” You watch a 4-0 Ducks victory against San Jose one of the best teams in the NHL and no love, no story, no banter on line or on Verses. Pathetic. But hey, “Let’s Keep it that way.”

Being the underdog isn’t so bad. It was sweet when we won the Cup the first time and it will be just as sweet this year. Bite me Heidi Androl and Bob Simpson. Heidi you’re a floozy. Stick to modeling and posing you do that much better. So okay, you just did a story on Perry at the beach, so what. Reminds me of all the make up calls the ref’s owe us. Perry a Beach Bum? That guy is whiter than my Butt. He hasn’t seen sunlight since last Summer. Can somebody tell Perry your supposed to surf not play with your sand wedge at the beach. I think he got confused when the locals refered to the “Wedge” and his “Golf Wedge”.

4. Giggy not playing so Hot. But hey, “Lets keep it that way.”

Hiller is getting some solid playoff experience. Giggy will be back we know this but Hiller is doing great.

5. Bobby Ryan is only a finalist for the 2008-09 Calder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition. But hey, “Let’s keep it that way”

Bobby might have deserved this Trophy his playoff play has been stellar. True hockey fans see it – he is on his way in being the best. Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets Goalie just lost a terrible game but did have a record three shutouts during a four game winning streak. Kris Veersteeg of the Chicago Blackhawks had four shorthanded goals and recorded 31 assists. Personally I will take Bobby Ryan any day. For now, let’s not give Bobby any credit. It might just go to his head, “Let’s keep it that way.”

When all is said and done and we look at our playoff situation we may have the short end of the stick but we finally have stopped running our mouths and moving our skates. So with that said I hope I have made up for all the talking that the Ducks didn’t do after all the crap ref calls just leave that part up to me. Besides, I think they can hear me through the cracks in the glass. Anybody wanna sell some playoff tickets?

Wings Fly away with a Win

Giggy said at the end of the Wings/Ducks game that they were playing to lose rather than to win. Hmm? I give them more credit than that. Let's be honest Giggy has not been doing all that great lately and as each loss approaches his record he is apt to get a little more nervous.

The truth is that something is missing. I'm not talking about the players either we know the story with that. Half our team seems to have been pulled up from the Chops.

Perhaps our defiency is synergy, cohesion, or unfamiliararity with having a mixup in just about every line. I also think it would be fair to say that our top defensive players have really let up some. In the last few games I have seen numberous blunders by Scotty and especialy Pronger. The Dude cannot move those feet (or paddles).

We need a win. Selanne where are you? Hopefully he will be on the next flight out because we really need a booster on this long stretch of away games. We need the points.

As it is right now - we better find something within or it is quite possible the Ducks will not be in the playoffs. There are some teams in the league right now that are looking much better on the ice, in and out of the conference. The Wings looked like a top notch offensive team. Leathal on the shot. Passing is seemless. And what about San Jose. Need I say more...

Come on Ducks lets get back the will. On the flip side what is out of the Ducks control is this.

1. Pronger keeps on getting called on stupid panalties he just doesn't deserve.

2. We seem to have a defeatest attitude in the offesive zone.If it doesn’t go in we pout. If the rebound does not gain possession we collapse. If a shot goes wide we retreat to defense.

3. We need to shoot more. We need to take better shots too.

Lets go ducks!

Ducks Battle Back!

I noticed far less Kings fans at last nights game. Let start by reviewing the game on the bright side of things.

Positively our second and third period was good. Our defense worked well with each other and we really didn't take too many stupid penalties. Bobby Ryan really performed especially on a smooth move over the blue line past Kings defenders in the third period. I even heard some Oooh and Ahhs out of some Kings fans - they were inpressed.

Solid Defense by no other but Scotty and special meantion to tough quick play by our little Ebbett. I think most fans didn't miss Perry and neither did the box. Moan really seem to fill Perry's shoes we should see how long that will go though.

The questions that plague this club now are that of the salery cap. We need some stretching room. And we all can say that room is not going to be from Bobby Ryan. He is here to stay.

With the news now that May is leaving. Well, quite frankly he is a place holder, with all due respect, he is a veteran, a leader, and a very grinding player. I don't think the Ducks relied on him much although he did have a role. Granted he did play a key role in the playoffs but we need to move forward. Such is professional sports.

I think there is new life in the Ducks bench. However, there are some key problems that I see in the coming future if we don’t fill the void. Lets start with the major, Selanne. He is a offensive special team machine and shoots the puck and scores a hell of a lot. Let’s be honest, it is his last year. So what then? We need to fill the offensive void. Selanne is out right now resting from a cut from his own skate above his knee. They say three weeks. I have a personal insider who has said he will be back in only two. I believe him. We need him. I think now we have even more confidence without him and I am sure Selanne being how competitive he is, he’s itching to get back.