It’s a good time to be a patron of the Honda Center, as fans with Ducks tickets are enjoying a spectacular run of success by their favorite franchise. Through 27 games, the Ducks have already accrued 44 points, second only to the record-setting Blackhawks in the entire league. Anaheim is running away with the Pacific Division, owning a healthy 12 point advantage in the standings over crosstown rival Los Angeles with just 21 games left to play. The Ducks are a virtual lock for the playoffs at this point, and simply need to keep their core players healthy down the stretch.

The Ducks have been one of the top scoring offenses in the NHL this season, ranking fourth in the league in goals per game. The star of the show offensively has been center Ryan Getzlaf, who leads the Ducks in both goals and assists, totaling 31 points on the season. Getzlaf really came on strong in February, ranking in the top 10 in the NHL in points scored with 16. The 27-year-old captain also recently signed a new eight-year contract extension, keeping him in Anaheim for the foreseeable future and off the free agent market this summer. Corey Perry, Saku Koivu and Bobby Ryan have also chipped in more than 20 points apiece as well, helping to take some of the scoring pressure off Getzlaf.

The most surprising development during the season has been the emergence of goalie Viktor Fasth. The 30-year-old rookie came out of nowhere to replace injured starter Jonas Hiller in February and posted an impressive goals against average of 1.92. With Hiller now healthy and back in the net, Anaheim has two quality goalies on the roster, a luxury that few other teams can claim. With roughly six weeks left in the regular season, the Ducks have proven to be one of the most well-rounded, balanced teams in the Western Conference, and look like one of the favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup this June.

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Over the past three years, the Big West Basketball Tournament has become a key part on the list of Honda Center events. The top eight seeds in the conference will not only be battling it out for bragging rights, but an automatic spot in the NCAA tournament as well. The final two rounds of the Big West women’s basketball tournament will also be played at Honda Center as well. The Big West Conference is largely made up of universities across with California, with the University of Hawaii the lone exception. The other nine schools include defending tournament champion Long Beach State, Pacific, UC Davis, UCSB, Cal Poly, Cal State Northridge, UC Irvine, UC Riverside and Cal State Fullerton. The tournament has had many homes throughout its history, including Stockton, Inglewood, Long Beach, Las Vegas and Reno. However, since 2001, the Big West has hosted its annual conference tournament in Anaheim, settling in at the Honda Center in 2011 after 10 years in the Anaheim Convention Center.

Long Beach State is currently in first in the conference with an 11-2 record, and will look to collect their second consecutive Big West Tournament title. The 49ers defeated the UCSB Gauchos in the championship a season ago, despite the fact that UCSB featured two-time conference tournament MVP and future NBA draft pick Orlando Johnson. Though they lost their top three scorers from a season ago, including tournament MVP Casper Ware, Long Beach State features the most balanced lineup in the conference, led by senior forward James Ennis. Guard Mike Caffey and forward Tony Freeland also average more than 10 points per game, giving the 49ers scoring up and down the roster. The 49ers biggest challenge in the tournament this year may come from Pacific, as the Tigers sit in second place in the conference standings. Pacific lacks the star power of Long Beach State, instead relying heavily on a deep rotation of players up and down the roster.  Hawaii, UC Irvine and Cal Poly each have only six conference losses as well, and in all likelihood will be battling Pacific for the No. 2 seed in the tournament, barring an unforeseen collapse by Long Beach State. With a spot in the big dance on the line, look for each team to bring their absolute best to Anaheim.

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The 2013 NHL season is now a month old, and fans with Ducks tickets have a lot to be excited about these days. The Ducks have gotten off to one of the best starts in the NHL, with a 12-2-1 record through the first 15 games of the season. After failing to make the playoffs a season ago, Anaheim appears well on its way to a spot in the postseason later this year. The Ducks have an incredibly well-rounded squad, with big contributors all throughout the roster. However, the big surprise is that the Ducks’ two best players through the first month of the season have a combined age of 80, as Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu have turned back the clock and produced in a big way for the Pacific Division leaders.

It’s hard to describe how well Selanne is playing at age 42. The future Hall of Famer is among the league leaders in points and assists, leading one of the best offenses in the NHL. Selanne is performing like a man nearly half his age, and looks like he could keep playing forever. Koivu, another longtime NHL star who is getting up there in years, has been nearly as effective as Selanne, and the duo gives Anaheim a pair of proven veterans to take the pressure off youngsters like Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Corey Perry. It will be interesting to see how both Selanne and Koivu hold up over the rigorous schedule of the lockout shortened season. With fewer off days to rest and recover, both players may wear out as the season progresses. However, neither Selanne nor Koivu are logging a ton of minutes through the first month of the season, which bodes well for their ability to hold up over the long run. It’s hard to make too many judgments after only a month’s worth of games, but hockey fans have to be impressed with the play of Anaheim’s two oldest players.

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The Honda Center will be hosting one of the most entertaining sporting events in the world, as the Harlem Globetrotters will be making an appearance in Anaheim on their world tour. The Globetrotters, who have been around since the 1920s, have delighted millions of people throughout their existence. Basketball greats such as Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins have suited up for the ballclub, while recent NBA Slam Dunk contest participant Jamario Moon also made his name playing for the Globetrotters. They have traveled across the world, playing in 120 countries, and are so well-known that even Pope John Paul II was made an honorary member of the team. Initially one of the most competitive basketball teams in the world, the Globetrotters slowly evolved into team known more for its comedic routines and extraordinary skills. The Globetrotters’ most common opponent over the years, the Washington Generals, have won only six games against the Globetrotters since 1953, and have not between their biggest foe since 1971. In fact, the last time Washington defeated Harlem, fans in the stands were visibly upset. Combining showmanship, athletic ability and skill, the Globetrotters are an incredible team to watch in person. Through a combination of deft ball handling, behind the back and between the legs passes, and high flying dunks, the Globetrotters never fail to put on a fun show for fans of all ages. One of the most iconic American sports teams of all-time, the Globetrotters thrill crowds wherever they go.

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There are a number of Honda Center events throughout the year, ranging from Ducks’ hockey and college basketball games to concerts featuring an incredible array of recording artists and bands. However, the most exciting event of the year could be the Professional Bull Riders’ stop in Anaheim for the Liftmaster Invitational. The Built Ford Tough Series event will pit some of the world’s best riders and bulls against each other in a three-day contest from February 8-10. While the idea of trying to stay on top of a 1,500 pound bull for eight seconds may sound incredibly terrifying to some people, the riders certainly enjoy the thrill and challenge of the event, making for an incredible display of power and skill.

The top rider on the tour this year, Silvano Alves, has racked up two world championships and over $3 million in just under three years on the tour, and is off to a commanding lead in the world rankings already in 2013. Douglas Duncan, Jordan Hupp, Shane Proctor and Robson Palermo round out the top five in the current standings, and will need to step it up in order to have a chance at catching Alves by the end of the season. Last year’s winner, Guilherme Marchi, earned himself a cool $43,075 dollar paycheck, so there is more on the line than just pride. But the riders are not the only stars of the show. The animals on display during PBR events are some of the finest bucking bulls in the world, and the best ones seldom allow their riders to stay on the full eight seconds. Only a select few people have both the skill and the courage to ride a bull for any amount of time, much less the agonizingly long eight seconds that one must stay on to score. But for some of the world’s most daring athletes, the thrill of the ride is well worth the danger.

With the NHL lockout mercifully over, fans with Honda Center Ducks tickets do not have to wait much longer to see their team in action on their home ice. After opening the season on the road at Vancouver and Calgary, the Ducks’ home opener will be Saturday, January 25 against Canucks, the reigning Western Conference regular season champs. Though the Canucks fizzled in the playoffs, they remain one of the most talented teams in the NHL, led by the Sedin twins. It will be Anaheim’s second matchup with Vancouver of the week, so the two teams will be very familiar with each other. The following day, the Ducks will host the Nashville Predators, who lost ace defenseman Ryan Suter during the offseason. However, they were able to hold onto Shea Weber, and his presence may give the Ducks’ skill players some trouble.

After missing out on the playoffs a season ago, Anaheim returns the bulk of its team in 2013, as the Ducks look to steal the Stanley Cup away from the cross town rival Kings. Head coach Bruce Boudreau had a history of great success during the regular season in Washington, but was unable to break through during the playoffs in his time with the Caps. The Ducks played fairly well last season after Boudreau took over, with a 27-23-8 record in 2011-2012 under his watch, but were unable to overcome their slow start under previous coach Randy Carlyle. There are many reasons to believe that Boudreau can replicate his previous success in 2013, especially with the return of all his offensive weapons. Few teams can match the talent of Anaheim in this regard, as the Ducks feature some of the best players in the NHL in wingers Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne and Bobby Ryan and center Ryan Getzlaf. While Selanne was the only one to play up to his talent level a season ago, both Getzlaf and Perry are entering the last seasons of their respective contracts, and each should be looking to perform well in hopes of getting a big payday. Perry in particular should be in for a huge bounce back season. The former Hart Trophy winner is still in the prime of his career at age 27, and should approach the 98 point season that earned him the league MVP award in 2010-2011.

Honda Center events are incredibly popular, as the venue has hosted world-class events in sports, entertainment and music. That reputation will only be enhanced this fall, as Rush will play in Anaheim on November 17 in one of the biggest concerts of the year. One of the most successful rock bands of all time, Rush has been a fixture in the world of rock ‘n roll since the 1970s. The trio of bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart have produced 19 studio albums in their nearly 40 years of work together, and have displayed not only the ability to innovate and adapt with the times, but also to remain relevant and popular with several generations of fans. The band’s most successful studio album, Moving Pictures, has sold more than four million copies since its release in 1981, and produced Rush classics “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight”, which are now staples of classic rock stations. A newer generation of Rush fans was also introduced to the band in the 2009 comedy I Love You Man, helping the band attract an even larger fan base.

All of the band members are also well regarded because of their proficiency with their instruments. Lee is one of the most renowned bassists of all time, while Peart’s drum solos are world famous as well. Every one of Peart’s live drum solos is new and improvised, adding to the spectacle and excitement of a Rush show. Another reason Rush is such a good band to see live in concert is their ability to replicate studio-quality sound, something that few bands are able to accomplish. The Honda Center will be rocking when Rush comes to town next month, and the so-called “holy triumvirate” of Lee, Lifeson and Peart always deliver a performance to remember for their loyal fans.

The NHL lockout continues, and fans with Ducks tickets are already well aware of the effect this has had on the 2012-2013 season. In fact, the league has already cancelled all games from October 11 to October 25, and several players have expressed their desire to continue playing overseas. However, there is hope that a deal may be reached in time to save the season. The NHL owners recently issued another proposal to the players and agents, detailing the main financial terms they hope to agree upon. The main point in the newest proposal is the 50-50 revenue split that the owners are offering, which is a significant upgrade over their first offer that had players making just 43 percent of the hockey related revenue. The NHLPA, which had a 57 percent share of revenue in the last collective bargaining agreement, is understandably hesitant to give so much ground to the owners. But this step by the league does show willingness to compromise and negotiate, and the players would be wise to not turn down this latest proposal right off the bat. There are still concessions to be made by both sides, and as long as the players can negotiate with the league owners in a professional manner, there is no reason an agreement that works for both sides cannot be reached.

Hockey has grown considerably over the last five years or so, and each side clearly has a lot to lose if an agreement cannot be reached in time. The owners’ proposal is a strong indication that they would like to open for business this season, and most hockey players would like nothing more than to get back on the ice and compete for a Stanley Cup. The two sides have to get back to the negotiating table and hammer out the details, but for the first time in weeks there is genuine cause for optimism that the 2012-2013 NHL season can be saved in its entirety.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming NHL season, but Anaheim Ducks fans can be sure that players will be prepared for the regular season to start on time. Anaheim finished the 2011-2012 season in 13^th place in the Western Conference with 80 points, and missed the playoffs for just the second time since the lockout in 2004. The Ducks will hope that young stars Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan can bounce back to the form they have showed in previous seasons, which in turn should help the team return to the playoffs. When Perry, Getzlaf and Ryan are playing well, there might not be a better trio of forwards in the NHL. Perry, the Hart Trophy winner as the MVP of the league just two season ago, saw his scoring fall from 98 points to 60 points a season ago, and Anaheim has to believe that the big forward will provide the team with more production. Getzlaf and Ryan also did not have their best seasons in 2011-2012, and are each still young enough that they should easily bounce back. One player that age does not seem to effect is Teemu Selanne, who is still going strong after 19 years in the league. The longtime franchise cornerstone from Sweden led the Ducks in scoring with 66 points last season at age 41, and the signed a one-year contract over the summer to remain in Anaheim. Defensively, Anaheim hopes that new signee Sheldon Souray, a three time All-Star, can help improve that unit and give some relief to Jonas Hiller, who also did not play up to his usual standards a season ago. As long as the Ducks rebound offensively, as many people believe, Anaheim should be in prime position for a playoff spot, and as the cross town rival Kings proved just months ago, sometimes that is all it takes to start a quest for the Stanley Cup.

On September 25th 2012, the Ducks will play in their first Preseason game against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Honda Center! Be sure to lock in your tickets before it’s too late!

The Anaheim Ducks struggled in the 2011-2012 NHL regular season as they did not even qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and furthermore, finished last in the Western Conferences Pacific Division with a record of 34-36.  Only registering 80 points (9 behind the 4^th place team) in the regular season, Anaheim will need to revamp their offense this offseason in order to once again return the Stanley Cup trophy to Anaheim.  They have begun this process already during the 2012 NHL Draft by drafting Hampus Lindholm from Rogle with the sixth overall pick in the draft.  He is an impressive defenseman who was the 15^th highest ranked player in this years draft class.  In the second round they drafted Nic Kerdiles with the 36^th pick.  Kerdiles thoroughly impressed the Ducks scouts at the NHL combine.

These two rookies should make immediate impacts joining the likes of Teemu Selanne and Corey Perry.  Selanne led the Ducks with 66 points last season, while Perry led the team in goals scored at 37; however both of these players fully knew they under-performed and are capable of much better play.  The Ducks entire roster must improve their play as they were not ranked higher than 16^th in any major NHL statistical category.  This included being 23^rd in goals per game and 21^st in power play percentage.  The correlation between the two is no coincidence as more time spent in the power play tends to improve the overall goal scoring of the team.  Anaheim should look to add one more solid player to their team during this summer in order to improve and prepare for the 2012-2013 NHL season.

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