Stadium Stories | Anaheim Ducks

In honor of todays start to the NHL 2015-2016 season, I am excited to announce my latest project- Stadium Stories!

At the age of 11 I started going to my dad’s weekly adult league hockey games, and thus began my love for hockey. I would keep stats, take notes and hang out with the guys after the game in the parking lot, earning me the title of “#1 fan” that I proudly boasted. Being from the Bay Area we are naturally San Jose Sharks fans (with some Chicago Blackhawks blood running through my veins, thanks to Dad) and it is always a treat to go to a game.

Loving hockey in all forms, I decided at some point along the way that I wanted to attend a game at every NHL rink, as well as  Stanley Cup Playoff, Olympic, Winter Classic and Stadium Series games. With the Shark’s SAP Center and a Stadium Series under my belt, I decided it was time to start planning the next checkmark on my list.

My 22nd birthday was this past weekend and by some miracle of the NHL Gods, I was in Anaheim at the same time as the Sharks, so off to “Duck Pond” I went!

With  the amazing seats gifted by my amazing parents, I sat directly behind the visitors bench, to the right of the locker room tunnel. This awarded me chats with the coaching staff, high fives from the players, an insight to what is said on the bench and even Barclay Goodrow’s broken hockey stick!

Intermissions were made up of chili dogs, cold beer and rather than the shark fin I’m used to on the hood of the zamboni, I was graced with the presence of a flying duck hood ornament.

Although they are not my favorite team, I have huge respect for the patriotism the Anaheim organization shows. They have established a tradition at every home game to honor our military during an intermission, showing off the American spirit that I love. If you would like to nominate someone of the U.S. Armed Forces, you can do so here.

Although I never got to see “the Flying V” I was hoping for (Disney fans get it), I did get to see Raffi Torres’ controversial check to the head of Jakob Silfverberg, earning him a 41 game suspension.

Despite a Sharks loss, the whole experience of being the Away Team’s fan was quite new and fun. It was a wonderful birthday gift and I can’t wait to plan my next Stadium Story!