I now can honestly say I’m a true hockey fan. How do I know this? Well, I’m pumped for tonight’s Olympic matchup between the U.S.A. and Canada.

I’m so excited and have been thinking about hockey that I finally got around to making my Ducks Tweetup Recap video from February 3rd. During the first week of February I visited southern California to become a Ducks fan and more importantly to meet all the great people that made Pick My NHL Team the success that it was.

My trip was a memorable experience. I think the Ducks are great, the Honda Center was nice, but more than anything the people were awesome. All my new Duck fan friends were so welcoming and accommodating throughout the entire trip. In fact, you can read about many of their takes on the Ducks Tweetup from their lists of blog posts:

To best sum up the entire experience, I decided to make a video recap. See above.

Hey everybody I know it’s been a few weeks since I’ve put up anything new on the site but I’ve been too busy planning my trip to Anaheim. I’ll be leaving in just five days!

Next Wednesday, February 3rd I’ll fly from South Dakota to Anaheim to take in the Ducks versus Red Wings game at the Honda Center. We have over 40 people joining me for a Ducks Tweetup which will include group rate tickets, merchandise giveaways, and a tour of the arena by Ducks blogger Adam Brady. I’m pretty excited.

To remind myself of why I became a Ducks fan I wanted to post this guest blog from Princess Duck, who wrote this for me after the Ducks won on January 1. Enjoy…

Ducks fans are not the biggest or largest fan base, and have never claimed to be. As Ducks fans we know exactly where we stand. We’re in a peculiar area for hockey that many purists claim shouldn’t happen. “If ice doesn’t form naturally in your area, you shouldn’t have a hockey team” gets thrown around quite often in our faces. And while ice doesn’t grow naturally an Anaheim, it does grow naturally in the region of Southern California. You just have to raise your elevation a little bit and head upwards to our great mountains. There you will find lots of natural ice and snow, and you can see those mountains directly from the Pond. It’s still referred to as “The Pond” by many, but it’s more widely known as Honda Center, now a days. There are others who combined the two in a compromise, and they call it the Ponda.

So in short, Ducks fans understand our position but don’t let that fool you. We’re not the largest or biggest fan base, but the fans we do have are right up there with the most die-hard and loyal. Bigger fan bases have a shload (I’m paraphrasing) of bandwagon variety fans. The “win and they will come” symptom. That happened to the Ducks for a while in 2007. The games were sold out for the whole season of 2007-08 season due to the cup win. But those days are done and those bandwagon pals are likely over in L.A. right now with L.A.’s recent and baffling success. They’ll probably be leaving there soon though since L.A. has been doing a skid and are only grasping 7^th right now.

On the Ducks spectrum, we’re trying to figure out how we’re sitting in 13^th place with (so far) 7 Olympians on our squad. But while the bandwagon crowd has thinned out the die-hards are still going to support the team we love. And we still manage to get 15,000 out of 17,714 into the seats, with our poor start to this season. And those who aren’t in the seats (let’s be real, it’s a bad economy) are watching on TV. There was a study released a while back that showed 2 teams had the highest ratings in watching the NHL on TV. I believe the one team was the Islanders (don’t quote me on that) and the other team? It was Ducks. So if our die-hards can’t afford their seats, they are at home watching on TV. It was a 300% increase from last year. I believe that has to be due to the economy. I personally know a chunk of Ducks fans who did not re-new their season seats due to this reason. They simply cannot afford them. I know they’re as die-hard as you can get, but when money gets in the way you can only do so much.

I can also say that John T. Meyer will not feel out of place being a Ducks fan in South Dakota. A large chunk of Ducks fans are from out of the area. We are talking about a fan base that is literally scattered throughout the entire world. I know of a certain fan over in Seoul, South Korea who has been waking up at 8am to tune into a Ducks game from the internet feeds. When the games are at 1pm here in Southern California, he’s waking up at 5am to watch. There’s a couple in England who are big Coventry Blaze fans, they also are huge Ducks fans and have flown out for the playoff games time and time again. There is a fan in Washington who is about as hardcore as you can get. Among other areas are Hawaii, New York, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, I’ll save some time and say there’s fans in 49 states. I’m not sure about Alaska, I haven’t personally seen a fan from Alaska, I wouldn’t doubt it though. Include Canada, Europe. We had a season seat holder who LIVES in France. He flies a lot for business and got season seats for when he would be in Anaheim. He made a lot of the games too. AND HE LIVES IN FRANCE. There’s Ducks fans in Australia and Mexico. So when John T. Meyer is watching games from South Dakota, he won’t be alone. I’m sure he could find some fans in South Dakota!

Our fans have also been made fun of for being “weak” as in we don’t give the opposing teams fans too much of a hard time. It’s easy for other fans to come into our building and not be harassed. I’m not sure that’s being weak, I think that’s having some class. Ducks fans like to go with the “respect us in our building and we will respect you”. Cross those lines and there might be some trouble but for the most part, there’s never much of any trouble. Ducks fans are at the game to watch our team play, not to start trouble with opposing fans. If you were to go to San Jose, that’s different. If you are an opposing fan in their building, they will let you know it. There’s a ton of tension in that building if your not a SJ fan. It makes for an uncomfortable game watching experience, but it does feel good to win there. I have a specific memory from that place. The Ducks beat the Sharks 5 – 2 right before the playoffs last spring. A  SJ fan shouted “have fun watching us in the playoffs”. At that point in time the Ducks had not secured a playoff spot yet. A week and a half later the Ducks were facing those same Sharks in the playoffs, and I have to admit. I had a lot of fun watching the Sharks in the playoffs. The Ducks ousted them in the first round.

You see as a Ducks fan you have to bite your tongue a lot, because it’s easy for the other fans to harass you. But in the end the Ducks team helps you to have the last laugh. Other fans hate our team because our team is good. It’s a defense mechanism. At one point or another the Ducks have burned their team and it embarrasses them. We’re a team that was formed from Disney and other teams can’t let that go. The Ducks are no longer owned by Disney but you wouldn’t know that by the insults thrown out year in and year out. It stings them when our “Disney Ducks” beat their team.

I’m not going to candy coat things, I’m going to get you prepared for what you are in for as a Ducks fan. It’s not roses and lollypops. You will get a lot of flack for being a Ducks fan, but you will also get satisfaction. The team is a good team, and when they are on their game they are tough to beat. If they make the playoffs they are feared. Any hockey fan out there knows that they don’t want to see the Ducks in the playoffs. SJ thought they did but learned a harsh reality lesson last spring. And while Detroit did take us out, we took them to 7 games, and down to the last few minutes, and to ONE goal. That was a bitter pill to swallow, but the fact remains the same, we made Detroit sweat and put fear in their minds, and came just 1 goal away from going to the Western Conference Finals. This team is why it’s much easier to be a Ducks fan. We can handle the harassment from the other fan bases because we know we can get the last laugh.

Now to prepare you for this season we are currently in. It started off piss poor. Excuse my language. If it was a firecracker, it’d be a dud. Nobody can really figure out why. There’s a lot of finger pointing going on but nobody really knows why. Truth be told though, it’s just the way it is. However, as of late, they have been finally getting things turned around. They’re figuring out how to get the wins stringed together, and they are most definitely the last team I would consider OUT of the playoff race. If any team were to rally back and make a playoff spot, it’s the Ducks. Right now the Ducks are just taking on the battle of the injury bug. I think most teams are taking on the injury bug. Soon the Olympics will be here and a good chunk of our team will be playing in them for their respective countries. So far Scott Niedermeyer (who was also named Team Canada’s Captain), Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf are playing for Canada. Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu are playing for Finland. Our goalie Jonas Hiller will be playing for Switzerland. Ducks Prospect Luca Sbisa will be playing for Italy. They haven’t announced American’s roster yet but that should include Bobby Ryan and I’ve heard rumblings of Ryan Whitney as well. That’s 9 Ducks in the Olympics. I fully believe that this Olympic trip will help fire them up and get them ready for the big push they need to grab themselves a playoff spot. While other teams will have many sitting around not playing games for two weeks, we have 9 of our MAIN players out there playing and hopefully winning. You could ask any NHLer … they can practice all they want during this Olympic break, but it’s not the same as getting out and playing a game.

I hope this was enough of an overview of what you are in for should you become a Ducks fan. I hope it excites you. And I hope it was a good argument as to why you will love being one. I know I pointed out negatives, but the positives I pointed out strongly outweigh the negatives.

That’s right fans of PickMyNHLTeam.com it’s official. I booked my flight today from Omaha, Nebraska (yes, it’s difficult to get directly to LA form South Dakota) to Los Angeles on Wednesday, February 3rd. That very night I along with the Anaheim Ducks will be hosting a Ducks Tweetup at the game that night against the Detroit Red Wings.

Here are the details…

When: February 3rd, game starts at 7 pm and I’ll be there by 5 pm. When do warmups start?

Where: Honda Center in Anaheim, California

Who: Me, Ducks fans, and the Detroit Red Wings

Tickets are going to be just $18.50 per person. I don’t need money yet, but I need to know if you’re committed and how many tickets you want. We need to get at least 20 people together.

It’s going to be awesome!

Monday, November 9th is officially Anaheim Ducks day. Ducks fans, today is your day to prove to me why I should be a fan of your team. Check out my video here and don’t forget to read the guest posts from SK and Ducks54.

Starting now ever comment, message, and tweet counts as a point for your team so start voting!

“I don’t know why you like watching that sport, it’s so violent!”

I was sitting in my parents’ living room, taking advantage of their 55-inch flatscreen HDTV. After all, my Anaheim Ducks don’t look quite as good at my house, on my fuzzy 27-inch CRT, even when they’re kicking the butts of their latest opponent. My mother’s random anti-hockey comments are a small price to pay.

Being a hockey fan in Southern California is already hard enough. We’re used to having to scour the internet for news about our favorite teams and players. The usual sports shows never cover hockey, unless Patrick Kane beats up another cabbie. We put up with ridicule from our friends whose cars are plastered with Lakers and Chargers stickers. Southern California boasts warm, sunny weather even during the winter months… much of which its residents would rather be taking part in, instead of spending a beautiful evening indoors at a chilly ice hockey rink.

If this was your backyard, you might think twice about heading to the rink too!

The market is small here. Overshadowed by Hollywood actors/actresses, larger-than-life celebrity athletes, and unrealistic image stereotypes, hockey doesn’t get a lot of attention. Neither do its players, both young and veteran.

But you see, I believe it’s this lack of overt attention that creates a wonderful dynamic between the Anaheim Ducks organization and its fans. The players don’t get recognized on the street… they can walk around in public and live otherwise ordinary lives. I’ve often said people in Southern California don’t recognize a hockey puck, more or less a hockey player.

Those people who DO happen to recognize a player, are usually rewarded by a very humble and grateful athlete, whose warm grin is genuine and appreciative. I can’t speak for all Southern Californian hockey teams and players, but my Ducks have been nothing but the most classy of guys in person. I believe they realize that their fans could be doing a number of different things besides following hockey. We could be spending our money on a plethora of other hobbies and interests besides hockey games. The fact that we are here and we support our boys means more to them than it would to other teams.

“Anaheim Ducks GOOOAAAALLLL!!!”

Our Ducks have given us a lot for our patronage. There’s a bit of an East Coast bias within the NHL, so even the more experienced non-Californian hockey fan might not know much about what our Ducks have achieved. We’ve enjoyed playoff games for the last four consecutive seasons, including a visit by Lord Stanley’s Holy Grail. We’ve been blessed to have some of the best NHL athletes to ever play the sport skate regularly on our home ice. Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger… future Hall of Famers that have changed the face of the sport. We’ve enjoyed the contributions that the Anaheim Ducks organization has made to local charities and communities, including programs to grow the sport amongst Southern Californian youth. But primarily, we’ve been given the opportunity to become fans of the best game around.

We’ve been given a team to believe in, for a sport we’ve come to love.

Becoming a Ducks fan is like being welcomed into a large family of people who realize how special the sport and its players are. Your friends and family might find it odd that you’ve grown enamored with such an unlikely hobby, but your Ducks family understands! We’ve gathered in groups online, at watch parties, and at games to make the hockey experience that much more special. I have to say I’ve met some life-friends through my Ducks, people whose friendships extend well beyond the rink. I’ve discovered that not all athletes are egotistical, arrogant celebrity types. I know what it feels like to root for the underdog, and to gloat at the naysayers when they’ve been proven wrong. I’m an Anaheim Ducks fan, and proud of it!

Ducks54 of And he shoots… he scores

So if you’ll recall, a few days ago hockey fans were approached (through myself and @Ducks54) to help John Meyer pick his favorite NHL team.  Since he’s doing this in alphabetical order, you know what this means…Ducks fans –  we’re up first!

We officially tackle the question, “Why be an Anaheim Ducks fan?”  I’m sure John is looking for something more concrete than, “Why not?!” and I’m going to do my best to put it in perspective.

I’ve always considered Ducks fans to be a rare breed.  Let’s face it, we’re special.  Many of us live in an area that never sees an inch of snow, rarely sees rain, and is a stones throw from both the beach and the mountains.

Yet, we’re hockey fans.  Somehow, we’ve allowed this sport from the great white north to embed its glory into our blood stream, and we gladly embrace it.

We thrive because of it.  Most of us can’t live without it.

Hockey fans all over North America count down to the first puck drop of the season, and rarely miss a moment of hockey thereafter.

Being a Ducks fan is no different…it’s better.

We’re still considered a young team in the whole scheme of things.  For example, we don’t have the rich history that is embedded in the Montreal Canadians.  In fact, the Canadians have won more Stanley Cups than number of years the Anaheim Ducks have been in the league.  We can’t compete with that type of history.  Instead we embrace our own history.  Our own Stanley Cup victory in 2007 – something no other California team can claim.  Having reached the Finals twice in their short time in the NHL and winning one Stanley Cup is something that will remain with this franchise for an eternity.

So what makes Anaheim so special? What makes them a contender for a hockey fans love and devotion so much more prestigious than an original six?

We love our team.

Players past and present are hockey household names.  Currently, the Ducks have a roster of names like Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and up and coming superstar Bobby Ryan.

Don’t know who they are?  You will.

Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are a dominating duo.  They rival some of the best guys in the league like Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeny Malkin, only, Getzlaf and Perry play for the Ducks.   Bobby Ryan is currently enjoying his sophomore season, and if it’s anything like his first year, you won’t be disappointed.  From lightning fast hat tricks, to physical play along the boards, this kid has got it…and we love it.

Not to be outdone by the youngin’s are future hall of famers Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu.  Here’s a bit of history on those guys…Scott Niedermayer is one of the most decorated players in the history of the game.  The only player to have won every major championship from Olympic gold medals, junior championships, to an astounding 4 Stanley cups.  Watching Scott Niedermayer play the game is unlike any other.  He’s someone to model your future hockey-playing children after.  Teemu Selanne, approaching 40 years old, still looks and plays like he’s 20.  Nicknamed the Finnish Flash, he’s got the speed and stick-handling moves that will make goaltenders wish they played a different position.  Not to mention, as a youngster, he lit the lamp 76 times his rookie season…a record.  Saku Koivu is the epitome of heart and determination.  Battling back from cancer and becoming a dominating center with Montreal for 13 years, he’s enjoying his first season in Sunny Southern California.

They’ve got tough guy and mustached man George Parros willing to defend his teammates at the drop of the gloves and Jonas Hiller, an up and coming goal tender who took every ounce of steam out of the President Trophy winning San Jose Sharks during the first round of the playoffs last season.

That’s just to name a few.

Let’s face it, there are very few places in the league where you can walk into the building wearing shorts and flip flops, and walk out 3 hours later just as comfortable as when you walked in.

Probably one of the best things about being a Ducks fan is the accessibility to the players.  We’re not in your typical hockey market location. The Ducks battle for the headlines with the likes of the Lakers, the Dodgers, the Angels and College organizations like USC and UCLA.  Most people couldn’t name one guy on the Anaheim Ducks’ roster.

So what’s the perk in that?  All the more Ducks for you!  So often the Ducks hold events, not just for their fans, but WITH them.  The players arrive in their shorts and flip flops and take slap shots amongst their most faithful at Shoot for the Cure.  They take on the role of waiter at the annual Dux in Tux event where they serve the fans!  They play golf in the summers, they sit down to black jack games in the winter, and they graciously sign autographs for hours during Face-Off Fest for season seat holders.  I can’t remember the last time any of the other sports teams around here did ANTHING like that!

Being a ducks fan is so much more than just loving the team for their hockey skills.  It’s about loving the organization that loves its fans.  It’s about taking pride in a group of guys who take pride in a city where the ice is a refuge from the warm nights.  It’s a place where the players come to play because they want to contend, they want to win, they want to live, and they want to stay.

The best part about being a ducks fan…we’re few, we’re special, we’re faithful, we’re proud.

I’d never give up my allegiance to this team.

Wont you join us?

Fans, if you want John to become a Ducks fan, it’s simple!  Just go to his site, Pick My NHL Team and vote for your Ducks!  Go ahead…do it now!

GO DUCKS!!!

(On a side/personal note…

I’m really excited that John is taking on this mission to adopt a hockey team.  I’m sure that he’ll soon learn to love hockey the way many of us do, and I honestly believe that once he does…he’ll regret not getting into the game sooner.  I know for myself, I look back and think…”DAMN!  I missed out on some amazing moments in hockey history…if I only knew then what I know now.”

Good luck on your search John!  GO HOCKEY!!!)