It has been years since the Anaheim Ducks informally adopted the mantra, “no one likes us, we don’t care!” With there being so much controversy surrounding the Ducks from other fan bases and media, it is an adequate expression for us to live by. It’s just not true.
**Editors Note
When putting together last Friday’s Anaheim Ducks mailbag, I left out the question, “why is everybody so negative about the Ducks?” A few sentences wouldn’t give an adequate answer, there is too much to say.
There is a story to tell and it’s our job to do it. I knew the best person to tell the world why the Anaheim Ducks are the good guys is Ciara Durant. She is our resident “glass is half-full” contributor. The following is something that should make all Ducks fans proud. As for the haters, maybe they can see things a bit differently after they read this. – Ed Stein
The Question
A question that was presented to Pucks of a Feather recently was, “why is everyone so negative about the Anaheim Ducks?”
Well, my question to you is, “why wouldn’t people be?”
Many NHL fans have pegged the Ducks as a joke. It all comes down to the reputation that has haunted them for over a decade. The Ducks are seen as a team that always plays dirty. Now, because of that reputation, every time this team tries to play physical, riots break out.
Also, everyone is always finding a reason to hate on the “holy trinity” of Anaheim. Ryan Getzlaf is too whiny and has been knighted by some as “the worlds tallest toddler.” Ryan Kesler forgets to take his chill pills every morning before a game and loses his head. Then there’s Corey Perry, a cheap shot artist and a bully (among a barrage of very unflattering words). Of course, it all comes full circle to the accusations that they all “play dirty.”
It would be easy for these accusations to irk me; sometimes they do. However, these accusations seldom make me angry at other fan bases or media sources. Actually, it makes me feel bad for them.
Even Shasphere wrote that bad reputations can follow someone long after they’ve rightfully outgrown them. Anyone spewing negativity about the Anaheim Ducks has been taught wrong. Now, it’s our job to fix that and teach them right.
My lesson to the hockey world today is: The Anaheim Ducks are a good team on the ice and good people off it.
As the saying goes, you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk.” So, in order to prove my point, I’m going to back up my beliefs with facts.