Anaheim Ducks: Selection Sunday
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Today is a special day for college basketball fans.
Today, college hoops fans find out if their beloved team is selected to play in the NCAA tournament.
But why can’t today be special for Anaheim Ducks fans too?
Today, Ducks fans will have the opportunity to be a part of their own Selection Sunday.
Pucks of a Feather wants to know if you were starting your own franchise, which current, or former, Anaheim Duck would you select?
Since being founded in 1993, the Ducks, formerly the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, have had the luxury of many stars suiting up to play in Anaheim.
Paul Kariya captained the Mighty Ducks from 1996-2003 and led the team in a memorable run to the Stanley Cup Finals during the 2002-2003 season. Game 6 of the 2003 Finals against the New Jersey Devils will always be a part of Ducks history. Kariya was knocked out by Scott Stevens only to return and score in a 5-2 victory to send the series to a Game 7.
Long-time teammate Teemu Selanne first became a Mighty Duck after a trade from the Winnipeg Jets in 1996. Selanne leads Anaheim in majority of the career scoring statistics including goals, assists and games played. The Finnish Flash will retire after this season and the Ducks will more than likely retire his number in the Honda Center rafters.
Jean-Sebastien Giguere backstopped the Ducks from 2000-2010, becoming a house-hold name after his playoff performance in 2003. Giguere became the fifth player to be awarded the Conn Smythe trophy despite playing for the losing team in the Stanley Cup Finals. Giguere would go on to help the Ducks win the Stanley Cup in 2007 and is the most accomplished goalie in franchise history.
Current teammates Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry were selected in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. They both were a part of the 2007 Stanley Cup winning team and are now the faces of the franchise. After his 50-goal performance during the 2010-2011 season, Perry won the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Getzlaf has a shot this season as his fantastic season continues. Both Getzlaf and Perry have signed long-term deals with the Ducks, ensuring that they will both continue to claim their place in Ducks history.
So in honor of Selection Sunday, which Anaheim Duck would you select to start a franchise with?
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