Anaheim Ducks: The Inspiring Tradition of the 21st Duck

Perseverance, courage, integrity, determination, and inspiration. These are the characteristics that embody the 21st Duck. The tradition is still new to the Anaheim Ducks, but their stories have touched us in a remarkable way.

The Anaheim Ducks introduced their 21st Duck during the home opener on October 8th. This tradition started four years ago, and each story has continued to inspire Ducks Nation. For me, personally, the Ducks always seem to nominate their 21st Duck during periods of my life when I need the reminder to never give up. Although they have faced difficulties, they are the perfect example of never giving up when things get though.

Kai Quinonez: The Begining of a Tradition

Four years ago, Hampus Lindholm walked down the hallway of McAuliffe middle school and into the classroom of his biggest fan, 13-year-old Kai Quinonez. Suffering from aplastic anemia since the age of nine, Kia personified strength and courage. In the midst of a tough battle, he never gave up on his dreams to play hockey.

Kia was approached by the Make-A-Wish foundation. His wish, to spend the day with his favorite hockey team, the Anaheim Ducks. He was then invited to spend the day before the home opener practicing with his team. He met the team, scored a few goals, and made memories that would last him a lifetime.

On the day of the home opener, Kai was given a huge surprise. He would skate out to center ice with the team and be introduced along with the players and the coaches. He donned a jersey with the number of his favorite player, Hampus Lindholm, #47. He skated out to center ice as a kid with a simple wish, but he left that night having inspired us all.

Katie Hawley: Never Ever Give Up

Last season, the story of Katie Hawley captured our hearts. Katie had been battling cancer since the age of nine. She had undergone a dozen surgeries, 30 radiation treatments, 24 chemotherapy treatments, 80 scans, and 40 blood transfusions. Nevertheless, despite her own battle with cancer, she continuously gave back to her community. Working alongside the Jesse Rees foundation, she inspired other kids with cancer to “never ever give up.”

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At the age of 17, her cancer returned for the third time. When Rickard Rakell heard her story, he reached out to her. A sweet message from her favorite player encouraged her to keep fighting. Her story of inspiration, compassionate heart and her fighting spirit is what led the Anaheim Ducks to invite her to be their 21st Duck for the 2017-18 season.

Throughout the season, her story continued to touch the lives of Ducks Nation. When Rickard Rakell was selected to represent the Anaheim Ducks at the All-Star Game, Katie was invited to go along and represent the Ducks as their junior reporter. Not only did she get to cheer Rickard Rakell and the Pacific team to victory, but she also met fellow cancer fighter Brian Boyle of the New Jersey Devils.

Katie returned to Honda Center on October 8th for opening night to cheer on her favorite team. She is taking the world by storm and has recently started attending college. Katie Hawley is paving a path to a bright future. We are honored that she will forever be a 21st Duck.

Michael Lu: Fighting to Find a Cure for Parkinson’s

This year, the Anaheim Ducks and Ryan Getzlaf had the distinct honor of asking Michael Lu to be their 21st Duck. Lu, who is 29-years-old, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, impaired balance, slowed movement, and speech changes. There is no known cure for the disease, and it will progressively get worse, eventually cutting short his ability to play hockey.

However, in the face of this giant obstacle, Michael has not allowed his disease to rule his life. He works at Anaheim Ice as a hockey coach. Not only is he teaching these kids how to play the sport he loves, but he’s also teaching them not to give up when difficulties come your way.

Our 21st Ducks is studying towards his master’s degree in educational psychology so that he can help children with disabilities. He is also relentlessly heading up the search to find a cure for Parkinson’s. By serving on the board of directors for the Parkinson’s Resource Organization, he is hoping that someday, people like him will finally have a cure.

Michael is a beautiful example of the bravery it takes to not let your disease define you. His story will go on to inspire many people, and Ducks Nation is proud to have him as our 21st Duck for the 2018-19 season.

These three people each have a unique story and they will continue to touch lives. I look forward to hearing from them in the future and I look forward to the 21st Ducks we will meet in the future.