Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks represent Orange County from Honda Center, where the black and gold have built a passionate following in the shadow of Los Angeles since their 1993 founding. The Ducks have won one Stanley Cup and established themselves as a legitimate Southern California hockey franchise, proving that the greater LA area can support multiple NHL teams. Anaheim's fanbase has grown from Disney-sponsored novelty to genuine hockey passion, with the Ducks' physical, hard-nosed style resonating with Orange County's sports culture. The Ducks are rebuilding around young talent while honoring the legacy of Teemu Selänne, Ryan Getzlaf, and Corey Perry—the core that brought the 2007 championship. Honda Center provides a modern home where Ducks faithful create an atmosphere that has made Anaheim a difficult place for opponents to play.

Founded in 1993 as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, inspired by the Disney film, the franchise quickly established credibility by reaching the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals behind Paul Kariya, Teemu Selänne, and Jean-Sébastien Giguère's Conn Smythe performance. The Ducks rebranded in 2006, dropping 'Mighty' and adopting a more traditional identity, then won their first Stanley Cup in 2007 behind Getzlaf, Perry, and Pronger. That 2007 championship, defeating Ottawa in five games, validated the Ducks' evolution from Disney novelty to legitimate NHL powerhouse. Selänne became the greatest Duck ever, his speed and personality endearing him to fans through 21 NHL seasons. The Ducks' rivalry with the Kings, the Freeway Face-Off, has produced memorable battles and established Southern California as a genuine two-team hockey market.