Ducks Training Camp: Day One

Photo: Eddie Richard

By Eddie Richard

As I woke up this morning, I didn’t hear roosters crowing or see cows doing circles in the pasture. I woke up with the anticipation of seeing the Ducks players flying together at day one of the Ducks camp.

As I arrived at Anaheim Ice, I experienced happiness in my heart knowing that we are one step closer to officially seeing the Ducks back. There was a good amount of fans who showed up to support their team.

I arrived fashionably late, California time, so I caught the second group practicing, which included Patrick Eaves and Ryan Kesler. Fans were discombobulated when the Ducks announced their roster and Eaves and Kesler were listed on injured reserved. I watched Eaves participate in numerous drills and he looked good. His skating was smooth and his intensity was high. He was skating as if he didn’t miss a whole season. I spoke with Eaves after practice and he seemed motivated and said they had a good video session and it was great to be there with everyone.

“We start off at San Jose this year. We get to jump right back on the horse,” Eaves said. “That will be exciting for us to get back at them.” Eaves referencing the San Jose Sharks, who swept the Ducks in last season’s playoffs.

Another player who fans are worried about is the hard-nosed center, Ryan Kesler. Kesler was the center of speculation of sitting out this season. Spaghetti throwing aside, Ducks fans are concerned that their beloved center might not be able to go this season. Kesler made his presence known and was the highlight of day one. Kesler ripped a shot over the goalie’s net and shattered the glass? Or did winger Joseph Blandisi rip the rocket to break the glass? Blandisi claimed the honors via his Twitter account.

Photo: DucksNPucks

Either way, Kesler has been obviously working on his shot or he probably thought the glass was Ryan Johansen. I paid close attention to his lower body since his hip was the main point in question. Although he wasn’t going at 110 percent, he looked good. Kesler’s skating looked great. He was really moving his legs and had a strong stride during the drills. I’m not a professional in diagnosing anyone but from what I saw, I feel he will be good to go for the season.

A few players caught my eye and I want to point them out. The first was overhearing a few fans talking about newly acquired, Brian Gibbons, wearing the number 23. 23 was previously worn by Stanley Cup champion, Francois Beauchemin, who retired after last season. The fan(s) mentioned it was too soon for another player to wear that number. What are your thoughts?

Ducks defenseman, Andy Welinski, was rocking his new “45” number during camp. Welinski seemed really relaxed. Not complacent or lazy relaxed but smooth skating and natural relaxed. He looked a lot faster and comfortable. Not to mention his puck handling skills improved and had a very nice shot to compliment his skating and puck handling.

Who stood out for me the most was recently signed RFA, Ondrej Kase. The former 20 goal scorer looked very good today. Despite him deflecting a puck and almost hitting me in the head, he was on point. To his credit, he warned us of the puck. Luckily, the puck hit the ground and was subsequently given to a kid. Kase’s intensity and drive caught my eye. He had fire in his eyes like he was a PTO trying to earn a contract. I feel he is going to have a career year and will be one of the Ducks top points producers.

This was my third camp so far from moving back to California from the Army, so I’m comparing the last two that I attended to this season’s one. It was great to see the Ducks on the ice, the friendly and great staff from The Rinks and more importantly all the fans in the stands. Yeah, that rhymed. I’m a part-time rapper. JK.

I spoke with new Ducks defenseman, Andrej Sustr, and he emphasized how fun it was to be on the ice again. He was excited to start the season with the Ducks. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. No matter what,” Sustr said. “It’s fun to get the season going with these guys. It’s just great.”

The atmosphere today was one of the best I’ve seen in the last two seasons. The Ducks’ players seemed so relaxed and smooth. They had a chip on their shoulder and came out very strong on day one. On the ice, they were all business and came ready and willing. There was something different about them. They didn’t come to camp hungry but came here starving. They haven’t forgotten about last season and want to use that as a motivating factor.

This is just day one and they came ready and willing. I’m more excited and fired up for the season after this day one of camp. It leaves me saying, “Sharks and Karlsson who?