JEN:
First, a big thank you to the smartest man at Battle of California, Earl Sleek, for Sleektooning the Anaheim Calling logo. If you don't get the Duck bursting through the phone, you might be a new(er) Ducks fan. Take a look at Earl's post on his inspiration for the logo, and the other Sleektoons. I can't wait for all the characters to join together and fight off evil in Ottawa. Because, really, nothing could be worse than the Guardian Project.
Next, I have the honor of announcing Anaheim Calling's newest free agent acquisition at writer. We are honored to welcome Sara - better known as SK - to the Anaheim Calling team. Yes, that's right, SKEleven from DucksAndPucks.com has accepted our offer to join the staff. We're all excited to have her on board for this upcoming season and beyond. Her commitment to the Ducks, and the Ducks community, is unwavering. She brings skill and truculence to our lineup. There is no doubt in my mind that she will fit in perfectly with our veterans.
For those of you that have (or plan to) submit a try-out post, we're always looking for new talent and I will continue to accept submissions. OK! Enough from me. Let's hear from the lady herself. Ladies and gentlemen of the press, SK!
SK:
Helloooooo hockey fans!
Before the puck drops on this new adventure, I just want to say how excited I am about joining the team here at Anaheim Calling and to have the opportunity to force upon everyone my views on love and life hockey. I’m not sure there is anything you really need to know about me other than the fact that I love the sport and I love the Ducks. After that, what else really matters, right?
When it comes down to it I’m passionate about the game but by no means will I ever pretend to be an expert. I have an opinion just as every sports fan does and, for some unknown reason, writing those opinions down and publishing them on the internet for everyone to read seems like a good idea. Quite simply, I started blogging in 2008 when I discovered that I had very VERY few friends who wanted to talk hockey with me 24/7. I don’t understand why people wouldn’t want to talk about it all the time, but maybe that’s just me.
In terms of my "fan-lationship" with the sport, I’m a newbie compared to most of you, I’m certain. I was lucky enough to fall in love with the game during the pre-season of 2006. Lucky, of course, because of the eventual Stanley Cup championship at the end of that season; unlucky because it’s been a giant disappointment ever since.
I used to be a basketball fan once upon a time. I didn’t know any better. I thought that was as good as it would get. I grew up in a Lakers household and was a big fan during the early Kobe/Shaq years. Over the last 10 seasons I’ve probably watched a combined 5 games. I love baseball…but only when I’m in the mood for a quality nap. As for football, I’ll be sure to catch the Superbowl.
It only took me 24 years to learn that nothing compares to hockey.
I’ve been a season seat holder for the past two years and this will be my third. I sit in the upper most row behind the goal and I wouldn’t give up my seats for anything. The view is incredible and there aren’t snotty kids behind me kicking my seat or drunks from Battle of California spilling their beer at my feet (unless I invited them myself).
I try my best to not have favorite players, but that Cam Fowler is making it hard for me to keep up my end of the bargain. If I were to chose a favorite moment aside from watching Teemu Selanne cry while skating with that Cup, it would have to be losing my voice at Staples Center when Bobby Ryan scored that ridiculously awesome hat-trick. And when it comes down to it, I’m unabashedly superstitious.
I could go on and on about how much hockey consumes me, but I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities for me to reveal more about myself in the future. Until then, thanks for having me along for the ride and, as always, GO DUCKS!!!