For fans of the Ducks, the team’s current playoff run, their first since 2018, is causing some disruption to their normal routines. “It was a lot easier to plan your vacations,” said Kozo Shimano before Game 3 of the Ducks’ second-round playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights at Honda Center. Ed LeBeau agreed, stating, “It used to be 44 games and go play golf. Now it’s 44 games and bonus hockey.”
Many fans did not foresee this postseason run. Even those who believed a playoff appearance was possible didn’t expect a first-round victory and strong play in the second round this season. This season was anticipated to be a step toward a brighter future, but it’s become something more immediate.
Loyal Fans Stick With the Ducks
The playoff run is a reward for the fans who remained loyal during a long postseason drought. Irene and Ross Amador of Irvine became season ticket holders during that time. For Irene, it was a return, as her family had tickets for the Mighty Ducks’ inaugural season.
“We had Ducks tickets,” she said. “Then we had Angels tickets. And we always had Chargers tickets until they moved to L.A. I’ve always been a glutton for punishment. But when you love a team …”
Ross Amador, whose son Thomas played for the Junior Ducks, has enjoyed the season but didn’t take his wife’s suggestion to bet on the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup before the season. Irene Amador said she enjoyed the atmosphere in Honda Center even when the Ducks were struggling and said she wasn’t going anywhere as a fan. “My thing is supporting a team and staying with them,” she said.
‘We Weren’t Going Anywhere’
Linda and Robert Pagan, who have had their seats in Section 414, Row B for years, make the drive from Torrance to Anaheim regularly. When asked if they ever considered quitting on the team, Robert Pagan responded emphatically, “Never. We were here when they won the Stanley Cup in 2007 and in all the good years that followed. We weren’t going anywhere. This organization is full of classy people. And now they’re looking really good again.”
Excitement for the Future
Linda Pagan is excited about the team’s future. “They’re so young and so talented,” she said. LeBeau, who lives close to Honda Center, was among the fans who endured several frustrating seasons.
Occasionally, the draw on the ice was one of the best players in the league — visiting with another team — but he also simply didn’t want to give up.