Ducks Set for First Home Game of 31st Season with Special Events
The Ducks will kick off their 31st season on Wednesday night with their first home game against the NHL’s newest team, Utah HC. This matchup will feature a new on-ice projection system and introduce this year’s 21st Duck.
Last season celebrated the 30th anniversary with much pageantry, including an exciting home opener where the Ducks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3. This year’s presentation aims to enhance the fan experience, inspired by teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens.
This year’s 21st Duck, Emma Melin, a 9-year-old from Placentia, exemplifies perseverance, courage, and community contribution. Emma has raised awareness about severe food allergies, having experienced multiple anaphylactic reactions since infancy.
Instead of retreating from her challenges, Melin has become known as “Allergic Emma,” promoting awareness and participating in the Ducks’ “Learn Her Way” program. Recently, Ducks goalie Lukáš Dostál surprised a “speechless” Melin with a custom jersey and the honor of being this year’s 21st Duck, a moment her mother, Rose, described as beyond words.
Dostál expressed his nerves about this meaningful honor, noting the importance of creating a great experience for Melin and the organization.
In their season opener, Dostál impressed with a shutout against the San Jose Sharks, while recent acquisition James Reimer took the net in a subsequent 3-1 loss in Vegas, where Troy Terry scored the Ducks’ only goal.
Utah HC, which relocated from Arizona this season, shares a claim with Vegas as the only two franchises to win the first three games in their history. The Ducks squared off with Utah in their final preseason game, a 5-2 victory for the hosts at Honda Center.
“Utah is going to be one of the fastest teams we encounter,” Ducks coach Greg Cronin remarked after the game. “They were missing six or seven key forwards that embody their team’s identity, which is speed, and their defense also contributes to offensive plays.”
In this matchup, Utah winger Dylan Guenther recorded five shots on goal, matching his total goals scored in three games, leading the NHL and earning the First Star of the Week honor at the start of the season.
“In such a game, you need to move the puck quickly. Relying solely on your legs to carry the puck can lead you to be overwhelmed by forechecking or back pressure,” Cronin added. “They are a solid team with many offensive weapons and a tenacious playing style.”
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