The Pielmeier: Pielmeier gets a taste

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEEMU, SAKU AND FINLAND FOR WINNING BRONZE! 7 Ducks will be coming home with a medal. Gold medal round on Sunday Feb 28, 2010 on NBC 12pm Pacific Time

 

Timo

The Olympics have given Timo Pielmeier a chance to take a sip out of the fine glass of the NHL. With the Olympics ending and the NHL resuming not long from now; the Ducks minus the Olympians took the ice, the team's first practice together in nearly two weeks. The Ducks only had one goalie available as Jonas Hiller who played for Switzerland and never failed to impress was given the chance to travel back home to Orange County and was given some rest time. Vesa Toskala was the only goalie, who was available  and one goalie wouldn't do it. Thus, Anaheim recalled prospect Pielmeier up to replace Hiller just for practice. This gave the chance for Timo to have more taste of the NHL. (He had some NHL experience before the 2009-2010 NHL season, as he did play in a pre-season game.) Most importantly, this gave a chance for him to get to know some of his possible future teammates.

Recalling Timo over Justin Pogge doesn't necessarily mean the Ducks are  overlooking him. This may mean they're changing the guard to take a look at that rookie guard they just hired to see how he handles the prisoners, that Pogge is one of the more experienced guards.

Pielmeier came to the Ducks from the Sharks when he was part of a trade with prospect defenseman Nick Bonino in exchange for Kent Huskins and Travis Moen when Huskins was traded, he was injured with a lower-body (ankle/foot) injury and hadn't played for Anaheim since the injury and did not play for San Jose for the remainder of the NHL season. Moen played out the remainder of the season with San Jose but did not sign with the Sharks for the 2009-2010 season. He went and signed with the Montreal Canadiens. Huskins signed a one year deal with San Jose.

Timo is 20-1-5 with the Condors and has a 3.09 goals against average with a .886 save percentage. He scored an (empty) net goal at Utah on December 19, 2009 his first career goal, he is the 10th goalie in the history of the league to score a goal. Timo would saucer the puck down the length of the ice into Utah's empty net.

Timo is definitely happy with the chance the Ducks have given him some quotes from OC Register's Eric Stephans:

Timo on facing some of the Ducks players:

“It’s a good experience to be up here with these guys,” Pielmeier said. ”It’s getting better each practice because you get to know the guys. You get used to their shots. I feel pretty good up here.”

(Please click on the link provided above to read the rest of Stephans' article on Timo)

Timo deserves to be observed by the Ducks at their level instead of being observed afar in the minor leagues. As I've said before; I really hope to see him in the Olympics playing for Deutschland his native country. He was born in Dreggendorf, Germany on July 07, 1989. Provide the German-goaltender with some playing time up in the NHL let him get comfortable playing with the big boys for a couple games, then see how he fans out. I believe he'll fan out well within the NHL.  In a non-traditional hockey market he doesn't have too big of expectations as he would say in an east coast NHL team and most definitely on a Canadian team, yet that isn't to see he has no expectations because he does, he was a highly touted goalie in the Sharks system  before he was traded so he has those expectations hanging above his head.

Ducks prospect J.P.Levassuer took the reigns replacing Timo for the Condors. Levassuer made 41 saves against the Victoria Salmon Kings (Canucks ECHL affiliate) as the Condors would rout the Salmon Kings 3-2. Levassuer was drafted by the Ducks in 2005; he was born in Victoraville, Quebec, Canada on January 15, 1987. He has had the privilege to have some experience in the NHL in the 2007-2009 seasons. As Giguere went down with injury.

As said, the Ducks have a strong force in young and upcoming netminders. Timo is more than capable of pushing Pogge aside as being the No 3 goalie. Both Pogge and Pielmeier are great goaltenders, despite the struggles of Pogge within the past. They're both capable of backing Hiller in the near future.

Hiller never failed to impress.

The Americans routed the Swiss in a low scoring 2-0 game. Scoring would not come until the third period when Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils would put the puck behind Jonas Hiller Hiller was absolutely stellar in the game, despite the loss. Luca Sbisa also did well making seamless defense plays, blocking shots and players from getting through. After the Parise goal against Hiller, in the birdseye view Hiller would lay on the ice in devastation and become nearly emotionally after the goal. Yet Hiller never ever lost an edge after the goal from Parise. Parise also scored an empty netter an  a excellent play.


People said, the Swiss aren't that great of a team. They do lack NHL players and are definitely an underdog compared to other countries.  They also do allow tons of shots to get through defensively, as the Americans put 44 shots through the Swiss. Hiller stopped all shots that went towards him expect for one, possibly two if the goal was not waved off which was in the case of Ryan Kesler taking an interference penalty on a Swiss player, hitting him in the head and knocking off his helmet.

There comes a source of denial when people say the Swiss aren't good. Their penalty kill was impressive for lack of a better word. The Swiss bring the most important thing to a game. Heart. They had massive heart all though the tournament and they didn't let any loss get to them. Hiller did keep his country in the game. Hiller doesn't like the skill as a goalie his weakest area is probably playing the puck, which he tried to do throughout the tournament but allowed some bad turnovers which also resulted in at least one goal against. Ducks goalie coach, Pete Peeters has encouraged more puck handling from Anaheim's netminders. He worked on various exercises with former Ducks goalie Giguere and Hiller in training camp.

Hiller is clearly making an attempt at handling the puck more.In an effect, trapezoid or no trapezoid really did not help Hiller. Most of the younger goalies coming in are forced in the restrictions of the trapezoid behind the net. Thus, where upcoming goalies merely rarely work on their puck handling skills. Martin Broduer, Marty Turco are a couple goalies who are strong at handling the puck and they wouldn't mind of the trapezoid just went away. (Although Brodeur's puck handling skills weren't exactly his best when the US routed Canada just before the elimination rounds)

Ryan Miller the US starting goaltender has nothing but pure respect for Hiller; a goalie who he rarely opposes in the NHL. Miller and Hiller exchanged words in the handshake line, hugged, and patted each other on the back more than once.

Then, you have the teammates. Bobby Ryan and Ryan Whitney on Team USA who routed the Swiss twice. The first game against the Swiss was Bobby's first Olympic goal. The Men's  hockey team  of the United States is 4-0 in the tournament. It's more than obvious that Bobby and Whitney have tons of respect for their teammate on the opposing team. He all Ducks fans are accustomed to, frustrated the United States and every other country he played as they came so so close to scoring a goal only to see Hiller had covered it up, steered it to the side, or it was in his glove hand.

Bobby wrote about Hiller in his blog and provided this photo as the starting photo in it he also included a phto with teammate Whitney

Bobby Ryan hugs Anaheim Ducks teammates Jonas Hiller after the

US beat the Swiss in a 0-2 win. Sending the US to the Semi-Finals

against Finland.

The United States will face Finland as four Ducks battle it out to advance to the Gold Medal Round; Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne for Finland and Bobby and Whitney for the USA. 

Three other Ducks will also advance to the Semi-Finals against Slovakia. Slovakia upset Sweden to advance to the semi-finals.Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Captain Scott Niedermayer would  help rout Russia in a big rivalry game  7-3. Perry had two goals and Getzlaf had an assist on a beautiful play to his Ducks teammate Perry scoring who scored on an over committed Evgeni Nabokov. Perry would have right side of the net completely available to him. Getzlaf also had a goal and two other assists in the game. The mens hockey tournament is down to four teams as they will face each other on Friday: 

Men's Hockey Olympic Schedule:

FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 26, 2010

All times Pacific

USA vs. Finland-12PM

Canada vs. Slovakia-6:30PM

A positivity for Hiller is he has a week to rest before he and the Ducks take on the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday .It'll be god to see some good ol Ducks hockey after the two week break from the NHL. Hiller will come out strong for Anaheim after the heartbreaking loss to the Americans. He played extremely well in the Olympics and he most likely will take that experience with him. Hiller was part of Team Switzerland in 2006 in Tornio, Italy but did not stay long, just about three days before they sent him home. 

Hiller has more than the veteran emotional experience and a lot of it he's received from the Ducks and the Olympics for the Ducks it was win he showed all against the President Trophy winning Sharks, helping the Ducks knock out their rivals in five games. Then he helped the Ducks taking the Red Wings to Game 7 in Round 2 but Dan Cleary would score the winning goal with less than 5 minutes remaining. A nearly tearful eyed Hiller tried to tell the referee that it was goaltender interference; which Clearly did have some contact with Anaheim's goatender, surely, it was a makeup call for the Wings from a earlier arisen penalty. 

There is the absolute unforgettable scene on the Ducks bench as Giguere comforted Hiller immediately  after the loss to the rival Red Wings. Giguere knew all too well of the emotional reckoning a game can take on fellow goaltenders. In 2003 the Ducks game so close to the Stanley Cup but fell to S. Niedermayer and the New Jersey Devils. Giguere did get the Conn Smyth Trophy in that series, one of the few players to do so on a losing team. 

The Pielmeier: Pielmeier for the Olympics!

pro-hockey news                                         

Personally, I very much want to see Ducks prospect goalie Timo Pielmeier playing in the Olympics one year for his native country of Germany. If Timo does make the NHL either with the Ducks or with a different team; there comes a possible issue if he is wearing the Ducks plastered across his chest. Simply put. NHL. Gary Bettman has made the threat of disallowing NHLers to play in the future Winter Olympics; which will be taking place in Sochi, Russia (2014)  The NHL has a pretty good amount of Russians in the league, and who wouldn't like playing the Olympics in their home country? This certainly has a cause and effect; Alexander Oveckin has said, even if the NHL did ban NHLers from playing simply because they have the letters NHL still remaining on their resume. He's going forgo the NHL as to him the consequences don't matter.Ovechkin; love or hate him is quite correct considering he was born in Russia; this gives him the oppunity to play in the Olympics; how many times would the Olympics come to someone's home country? Possibly once in their lifetime or career of the which ever sport.Obviously, there's many more Russians specifically who are against this issue. Ovechkin of course is just Russia's poster boy. There's Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Semin, and if Evgeni Nabokov doesn't retire by then, him, and the other players would definitely opt to play in their own country. Evgeny Artyhukin will most likely also try his best to get into the Russian Olympics; to Seymon Varlamov who would at least want to be/remain the third goalie in Sochi. That is just to name a few of the more well known Russians in the NHL. (Though Arty really flies under the radar compared to other players, especially players like Ovechkin, who perceivably   is the Russian super-star getting the most attention in the league and on the Russian Olympic team in Vancouver). Ovechkin at Vancouver was quoted saying

"I'll go play the Olympic Games for my country," Ovechkin said. "If somebody says to me you can't play, see ya."

Even Sidney Crosby wants NHLers to stay in the Olympics but what NHLer wouldn't? You could say this is different that the NHLers get the upper hand since the 1998 Winter games. Crosby was quoted saying:

"Russian or not Russian, I can understand," Crosby said. "I think we definitely feel strongly, me personally and I think all the players do, that it could be the opportunity of a lifetime, especially the guys from Russia. It only happens once."

Evgeni Malkin also commented on this issue. Malkin, one who is well liked among hockey fans and is also made fun of because his English skills aren't so great  ....

 "The Olympics are great," said Malkin, who played in Turin before joining Crosby in Pittsburgh. "Great games every day."

The supposed rivalry between the super star Ovechkin and Malkin has been forced to 'ease-up' in these Olympics, during an interview in which Ovechkin was questioned, who clearly didn't want the interview(s) to be so damn long as he wanted to get to a television as quickly as possible to watch the US/Canada game; the media person asked him about the rivalry with Malkin and if he likes him or not. Ovie simply said;

"Well I have like him. It's the Olympics; we're playing on  same team here."

The Olympics have most certainly been exciting; the US on Sunday virtually took a knife to the Canadians hearts, not only the players but their fans as well. The United States would route Canada on their own ice, one, if not the most hostile game the American-born players would play in. The Americans were booed and hindered as they took the ice; as they took on the host Canadians. Certainly, the Americans made the Canadian fans grow ever so quite as Brian Rafalski scored to put the Americans on the board first. Rafalski scored twice, Jamie Lagenbrunner would score deflecting a Rafalski shot and Ryan Kesler scored a rip out your heart for Canadian fans, empty netter. The game was swarmed with Cancuks fans; an all too familiar face to the Vancouver fans made the final score 5-3.  Anaheim Ducks forward Corey  Perry attempted to backcheck on Kesler and Kesler ended up falling and he swatted at the puck which ended up in a goalie-less net. A more of a luck goal than any other. Perry's face was nothing but devastation after he heard the disgruntled fans with that oh so lovely goal horn. Perry most likely re-watched a video of the winning goal and that is something he will never forget, a goal/play that most likely terrorized him in his sleep.

Martin Broduer just wasn't Broduer in that game  he struggled on plays he usually is very successful in. Broduer is definitely the scapegoat in Canada for the loss against the Americans. He lost his job after he allowed four goals vs.  the USA. Roberto Luongo got the nod for the game against Germany, in which the Canadians routed the Germans in a 8-2 win to knock out Deutschland and the Canadians will face, a very anticipated even though a little premature match-up against the Russians.

Bobby Ryan and Ryan Whitney have the right to the bragging in the Ducks locker room over specifically Scott Niedermayer, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, Especially Bobby, who assisted on Rafalski's second goal against the host Canadians. Bobby also has bragging rights over Team Switzerland who  at the NHL level for the Ducks; represented by Jonas Hiller. Bobby scored his first ever and the first goal for men's hockey in the Olympics of Van2010 against his current NHL teammate Hiller putting the Americans on the board first.

Hiller helped his country of Switzerland barely edge Belarus the first series of the elimination rounds; The Swiss won 3-2 in the shootout and will play in a rematch against the Americans.Four Ducks players will be representing their respective country; Hiller and Luca Sbisa Ducks prospect; who is too young to come back up to the NHL this season; as he was sent back down for further development earlier this season. Both Sbisa and Hiller will represent Switzerland as Bobby Ryan and Ryan Whitney will be representing the Americans.

As for Pielmeier; the kid has really been something he was good when he was with the Sharks and he's trying to prove he's NHL ready. Pielmeier, born in Dreggendorf, Germany on July 7, 1989 is someone who definitely deserves NHL ice time more than just what he got in the pre-season. Pielmeier shows love for his position and the game of hockey.In Germany, hockey isn't exactly the most popular sport. Soccer definitely dominates it and while the sport has grown in the country; a majority of Germans don't care so much for the sport. Like the United States, the citizens are/were probably watching the Olympics, as hockey took the front stage but in all reality like the US, hockey takes the back burner compared to other sports markets.

Pielmeier shows swift movement in his crease and he is focused on the game, he currently play for the Bakersfield Condors where he has won various recognitions/awards such as Goalie of the Month for the ECHL. He shows confidence and heart. Pielmeier should definitely be in the minnds of the Germans when they're looking for goalies to play in the future Olympics. While Justin Pogge is basically named the No 3 goalie, behind Hiller and Vesa Toskala Pogge may have his toughest competition against Pielmeier. Both goalies want to be up in the NHL and it could be argued that Pielmeier is the better goalie. However, Pogge recently received an award as he saved a total of 97 of 100 shots within the week. One of Pielmeier's biggest dreams is to play for his country in the Olympics; and I personally most certainly will support him if and when he makes it into the Olympics. Just hope it's sooner than later. Pielmeier will need a few more games of NHL play to get used to  the different speed and harder shots but like many goalies before him; he will only get better the more he plays. Which making it to the NHL will only prompt him even more for Germany to give him a good long fair look. Pielmeier's dream would definitely be complete to step onto that Olympic ice and play for the country he was born and raised in.

Pielmeier may not be the best goalie in the Olympics when he first goes into them, but he'll probably do better than a lot of people will see him as.This experience of Olympic hockey would get him far as a goalie. Pielmeier is usually smiling, he's just one happy kid and seems to take life as it is and he really enjoys life which just as a human being you can see the excellence in him, just as a person. Pielmeier is more than just a goalie.

My best memory of Pielmeier will always be that smile across his face. He has a great smile. One thing I'll always remember is in Training Camp after the boys were done. Hiller was giving him a ride and Hiller had come out to sign for fans who were graciously waiting for him to come out. He's a goalie and he took forever to come out what else is expected (hahaa). Pielmeier waited patiently behind Hiller. He had a huge smile on his face and was wearing a brand new Toronto Blue Jays hat. He was also happy because in the pre-season game against the rival San Jose Sharks; the team who drafted him in 2007; he got the nod to start the game which made him even happier. He split time with Hiller during the game and Pielmeier really showed he can play the game of hockey. Specifically North American style. This kid is prime and ready to go.The Ducks are so deep in goalie talent in the system, and Pielmeier definitely makes himself shine in games.

I really haven't been able to watch very much Olympic hockey; in fact I have yet to even watch Switzerland or Russia play for both Mens and Women's divisions. The schedule usually is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where I am at school the entire day and do not have access to a television. Due to the way they schedule the Olympics, recording has ceased to exist for me. The only thing I have seen of Switzerland was their shootout loss to Canada. Sunday was also the first time I saw either the USA or Canada play in the men's division

We have the Youth in the blue

The Ducks have such a young and great core of future goaltenders. The four goaltenders invited to Training Camp have a bright future. There were a total of six goalies at training camp,given the goalies who were completely expected to be there were former Duck J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller  who showed massive support over one another, as they would hit their sticks against the ice, as each one made a save in scrimmages.

The other four goaltenders, were all under the age of 24.


Cousineau, Marco
Levassuer, Jean-Phillipe
Pielmeier, Timo
Pogge, Justin

With the signing of Marco Cousineau to a three year entry level contract; it shows potential in goalies such as him, who see a future with the Ducks. It may take awhile to get to the NHL level, if at all. Considering a goalie, technically has a harder time at cracking a roster than any other player does. Cousineau is a 20 year old French born Canadian and was drafted by the Ducks in the 2008 entry draft. He was born in St. Lazre, Quebec, Canada on Nov 9,1989. The goalie simply known as the one with the red pads in training camp. He had some struggles during the camp but despite the fact. He showed nothing but heart and determination, as he took on some of the more elite shooters on the Ducks roster. For the NHL level; Consineau needs someone who can really help him improve his skills; seek the skills he clearly has His determination and heart is there and there's absolutely not doubt about it.Heart and determination is something which you cannot teach, it comes from the player themselves, not from teaching.

The Ducks don't need to draft any other goalie at the upcoming 2010 entry draft. Sure, you have goalies like Jack Campbell, who has yet to be drafted by an NHL team and has showed massive power in winning Gold  with the USA in the World Juniors the Ducks while they should keep him in mind saying;
' the kid is very good and lets hope he can show this in the NHL but we shouldn't draft him do to the mere fact that he's a goaltender'
The reason the Ducks shouldn't even really consider drafting another goalie at least for the year of 2010 is because the Ducks are already knee deep in young and upcoming goalies,who at least have five years in them, even in the lower leagues if they're kept as Anaheim's property.  There's nothing against goaltenders here. In fact, it would probably benefit a goalie more.The issue with goalies is that there's only two roster spots for them. Cracking a roster is already difficult enough; top loading your in the system roster with goalies would technically be unfair to him. Especially when you already have your supposed chosen 'big guys as a No 3/4 goalie'. The goalie is in the system, yet he has no real chance of coming up; unless the higher up team, sees and brings him in at a older age.Which has been done within the NHL but usually for goalies who come from overseas, and are usually undrafted (example; Jonas Hiller and Jonas Gustvasson. Who came here at, in hockey years, an older age and both were also undrafted. They both came from overseas).

Just look at what the Ducks have at least four goalies who are very much in the running and with a couple of them, have been for awhile now. Who are were invited to training camp, only two out of the four were drafted  by Anaheim. (Levasseur (2005) and Cousineau (2008). The other two were acquired it some type of trade. (Pielmeier (from San Jose) Pogge (from Toronto) )

Igor Babkov (playing in Russia) Mattias Modig  (playing in Sweden) and Sebastian Stefaniszin  (playing in Germany) may not see NHL ice  but that cannot be counted out. If they make the transition over to North America, they're going to have to get a taste of North American style of hockey.

The goalies who were invited [to camp] as said, can give long term goaltending for Anaheim  Justin Pogge was recently awarded American Hockey League (AHL) player of the week of Feb 14, 2010.He stopped 97 out of 100 shots and this is good not only for him and his confidence; it's good for the Ducks. Pogge struggled   with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but hopes for some revival in a not so traditional hockey market. In a way, this may help him with less pressure on his shoulders; considering Pogge is considered a dud up at the NHL level. Pogge won Gold at the 2006 World Junior Championships with Canada and sliver with Canada in the Spengler Cup  of the same year. Then there's Timo Pielmeier who the Ducks acquired from rival San Jose. In training camp and in the pre-season games; Pielmeier showed his athleticism and purely smooth transitions and lateral movement. Pielmeier also has vestiges  of Sharks  Russian born goalie Evgeni Nabokov. Pogge is considered the No 3 goalie when he first came to Anaheim behind former Duck J.S. Giguere and the Swiss-born sensation  Jonas Hiller. Pogge still sits in the No 3 spot at least for the remainder of the season, as the Ducks acquired Vesa Toskala. Toskala is a UFA after this season and is not expected to sign with the Ducks for the 2010-2011 season.

Pielmeier is looked to be  pushing Pogge for the  no 3 goalie but Pogge is one who will most likely be called as a back up to Hiller. Pogge has been called up as an emergency call up for Giguere in the 2009-2001 season; while Giguere was down with a strained groin. Pielmeier in an interview with some media said, he hopes to make it to the NHL and that's definitely on his high list but only one thing is above that on his list and it's to play for his home country of Germany in the Winter Olympics. Pielmeier definitely has a high chance to play on the big stage, some time in his career. Like Hiller; Pielmeier's dream would be absolutely complete to play in both the NHL and the Olympics; the Olympics are more looked up to more important to Europeans than the NHL because the National and Olympic teams is what they get most coverage of and is what they mainly grow up with. North Americans usually grow up with the NHL and North Americans are usually opposite of the Euros; the NHL is put a little higher on their list than the Olympics; the Olympics would be nice and unforgettable to play in; pulling the respective country's jersey on and having it bolstered on the chest would be amazing of course but the NHL is all in North America. Although Woman's hockey is a little different; since there is no female NHL like the WNBA the highest level is their National and Olympic teams for the American and Canadian women.

J.P. Levassuer  for the last couple seasons has been relied upon he has seen some ice at the NHL Level and     contrary to popular belief, he is still looked upon as a running goalie for the Ducks. Marco Cousineau is still looking for some ice time at the NHL level but he's only 20 years old and he most likely will get some time up at the NHL level throughout his hockey career. Goalies take longer to develop than other players do, like a pitcher in baseball, he could dominate and prove the naysayers wrong; despite the swirls of negative media attention.This shows mental toughness from both positions; the pitcher and the goalie. [A catcher could also take some more time to develop though the pitcher takes longer]

The Ducks can definitely go without drafting another goalie for at least one year. We need to see more development in the goalies we already have.Give each of them at least one game of ice time in the NHL; even if it's for just one period; though that won't fully assess a goalie but at least we have a taste of him and how he handles the pressure of the NHL.

The Swiss and the Americans

Sometimes and usually there's a time when a teammate is no longer a teammate. Instead, he's pulled a different jersey over his head. Usually this is when a player is traded to a different team or when he undoubtedly signs with a different team as a free agent.

This year is different, there's going to be teammates playing against each other. This is different though. It's the Winter Olympics, where hockey is the main event. Teammates will dress for their respective country, and take the ice against their teammates or with their teammates.

Tuesday is the first Men's hockey game at 3pm Eastern Time and 12pm Pacific time. Tuesday February 15,2010 Switzerland and the USA will compete in the round-robin game on NBC. This brings two players on Team USA whocurrently Ducks fan favorite  Bobby Ryan born in Chery Hill, New Jersey on March 17,1987 and the every so debated Ryan Whitney. Whitney was not originally listed on the roster; he was named to Team USA in replacement to the injured Paul Martin. Whitney was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 19, 1983.

Potentially, there is four players against each other. but if you're only considering players on Anaheim's curren NHL roster than, yes, it's three. Jonas Hiller will most likely be the goalie for Switzerland. Hiller was born in Felben Wellhausen,Switzerland on February 12, 1982. As for the fourth player it's Luca Sbisa who was acquired  in the Chris Pronger trade with the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a couple first rounders in the NHL entry draft(s) and reuniting Joffrey Lupul with Anaheim, who was ironically in 2006 was traded for Pronger to the Edmonton Oilers. Sbisa was born in Ozieri, Italy but he was raised in Switzerland and his decided to play for the Swiss.

Hiller  will be facing mainly shots from teammate Bobby Ryan; there is also a high possiblity of Bobby scoring on him throughout the game. Whitney will also have shots against his teammate in Anaheim. The Olympics brings competition against a teammate it also brings the same unity as with Ryan and Whitney, even though they play different positions. It brings some sort of unity with the same team's crest on their chest.

Hiller is going to be completely focused on his game, while the only place he's stopped shots against his teammates was mainly in practice he'll be attempting to stop pucks against his teammates in actual playing games. Though, he has stopped possible shots against Whitney in actual playing games, but never Bobby.

Switzerland is a team that will be overlooked but not necessarily more overlooked than a different team, such as Germany. The Swiss do not have a strong NHL presence and Hiller is the only goalie, who is currently playing in the NHL. Hiller can steal games. He can steal them, he can rob shooters, even the best. Sometimes he makes vital mistakes and lets in made goals." He's only human" May sound so cliche, but it's true. He, as a goalie isn't fully capable of scoring goals to win games. He can only stop them, however, goalies have scored goalies before. This is true though, he's only human and he is. He's not a well oiled machine, who the only thing you have to do is put  Penzol Oil in and he'll perform perfectly. Being human, he's going to make mistakes, as a goalie. He's going to put every little detail in the spotlight. The slightest mistake can lead to a goal and  red flashing light with a celebrating opposing team is going to magnify the mistake even more.

He will also need help from the team in front of him. Where a skater can go hide on the bench after a mistake he made, a goalie, Hiller will not be able to see this. There's also the result of being pulled, where the entire game is stopped and every pair of eyes lays on the goalie who by his coaches standards let in too many goals. While his backup replaces him. The pulling of a goaltender  will always make it's way into every media outlet reporting the sport. Fans will always go into depth why a goalie was pulled mainly being critical of that particular goalie.

While everyone else has skating jobs on the Ducks roster who are in the Winter Games, they're going to have to score have to defend. Hiller has the hardest job on the lucky Duck Olympians, as mentioned above, he is under that amount of pressure but Hiller most likely will not let any of this get to him.He'll be mentally focused and he'll steal games for a country who isn't even expected to make it very far. He'll be lighted up by Ducks' teammates and he'll rob them all the same, too.Hiller's job is tough but for those outside of hockey this job is definitely overlooked as they say goalies do nothing but stand there making their job sound unworthy to his team. This as you all know is not true.    

Hiller has the toughest job going into the Olympics among all 9 players and that's a fact. And judging by Hiller's past successes to even failure, he will not let all this pressure press down on  his shoulders. He's one tough kid both physically and mentally and nothing is going to ruin that. Hiller must and will remain focused no matter how many goals against is up on the board.

Also get a prime sneak peek and look at Hiller's new Olympic mask. The Goalie Guild has their sources, and official resources with Alan Vingualt of Airxess, the company who has made Hiller's mask. Including his mask he is currently wearing with the Ducks. Airxess has never failed to impress with their airbrush painted masks, and surely, this mask does not absolutely not fail to impress. The mask goes back to Hiller's tradition on his mask.

and the (Men's Hockey) Games begin tomorrow; Switzerland vs. USA.

Hiller and the Olympics

 

1988-2010

The Van2010 Winter Olympics started off on the wrong foot as a Luger was killed on the dangerous track in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada..
Nodar Kumaritashvili  was born on November 25, 1988 (21)  Borjomi, Gergorian, SSR Soviet Union;. now known as Russia. We mourn the death of Nodar. RIP Nodar. The USA sends our regards and condolences to family and friends. RIP Nodar everyone knows you'll be watching from Heaven along with Brendan Burke (1988-2010) he'll be looking down with you too along with friend Mark Reedy (1991-2010)

 Tragedy brings out the rawest of human emotion. Tragedy brings those to their knees, it brings controversy. Death brings more respect for a person that Life. In death is where people are appreciated the most. Tragedy strikes all of us but it only makes us stronger. Brendan was a hero, he was courageous for what he did. His father said, his message will live on. AND IT WILL. Nodar is a hero he was in one of the most dangerous sports. It seems all the good people die. But those such as  Brendan, Mark, and Nodar will always be with us. They'll always be in our hearts.



Oh and  Happy Belated Birthday to Hiller! He turned 28 on Feb 12, 2010!





Jonas Hiller of course has been chosen to play for his native Switzerland he'll most likely be the starter and therefore would get the most minutes out of his fellow goalie teammates.Former Ducks goaltender Martin Gerber will serve as Hiller's back-up, if not possibly split time. Tobias Stephan will serve as the third goaltender for the Swiss.

UPDATE: DUE TO GERBER SUFFERING AN INJURY HE MAY NOT GET AS MUCH PLAYING TIME, SO THE FACT THAT HE MAY SPLIT TIME WITH HILLER IS LESSER THAN BEFORE.  (I almost totally forgot about Gerber's neck injury but he is still on the roster)

One thing that is so controversial about the Olympics in hockey is for one, there is about a two week break and players take off to wherever the Olympics are taking place. As for 2010, the Winter Olympics are taking place in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada. Players will be stepping foot on the biggest stage for athletes. Controversially, some believe that the Games is too risky to send a elite player  too. The Ducks have currently nine players headed to Vancouver but Ryan Getzlaf may not play for Canada (first game on Tuesday). Getzlaf suffered a ankle injury against the Los Angeles Kings while tangled up with Dustin Brown.

Controversially, the players are apt to more injury as they take part in a very condensed schedule. This is one concern for every Ducks and hockey fan of their respective team that their player maybe be injured, with Hiller something that at least a few fans are saying, they hope Switzerland doesn't make it far, as this will give Hiller a more opportunity to rest. This is Hiller's first Olympics and him being chosen has made a dream come true. Before making the NHL, he was more focused on making the Olympic team than he was the NHL, as in Switzerland the Olympic and the National Team are the biggest event. The NHL would be nice for the players but it's more distant  in their minds than the Olympics.  Now that Hiller is in both not to mention just signed a big contract; he will be seeing plenty of time between the pipes on the biggest stage.

After the Olympic break, the Ducks will have 20 games remaining. Though in that 20 game stretch, we may be seeing new Ducks goalie Vesa Toskala as for the reason people wanting the Swiss to be knocked out early is because as mentioned before Hiller would have a longer time to get some rest as he still has some regular season NHL hockey to play and very possibly playoffs. This also gives Hiller less chance of injury; as a goaltender he will be out for the full 60 minutes of the game and would not get too much rest, with the exception of game stoppage or when he is pulled. It also depends on the team in front of him how much he, personally will have to work to keep the puck out of the back of his team's net. The Swiss shouldn't be a team that is overlooked; they could very well possibly make it into the medal rounds, and take home a medal.


The Goalie Guild will have some excellent updates, which obviously will include Hiller along with every other goalie who is participating in Van2010.

Hiller has most certainly earned his spot for his native country, it's not so much the fact that he's an NHL goalie it's his performance. If he weren't so damn good in the blue paint then he may of not been called to duty for his country. Although, it is a possibility, the NHL may of resulted in his selection just slightly. Just as Nike says " You don't wear it. You earn it" Hiller's stellar play has shown he has earned to wear Switzerland's sweater in the Olympics along with Ducks' prospect Luca Sbisa. Hiller's determination in hockey has earned him more than one thing. It has earned him, respect from the fans, the media, and most of all teammates. He has the utmost respect from a goalie who was the franchise goalie of the Ducks before being traded to the Leafs. J.S. Giguere him through thick and thin, never being angry at him for taking his spot as a No 1 goaltender in Anaheim. Hiller has most definitely gained support from Switzerland; where before the NHL he played on his national team. Hiller didn't get here from just sitting there, he's earned it, he's done it all. He's struggled, he's been stellar he's fought through thick and thin and he never once gave up. This is one huge reason why he's in the Olympics and a reason why he is so respected. With help from Francois Allaire, Pete Peeters, and of course Giguere he is an important piece to both the Swiss and Anaheim those three people have been some of the most important to him in his development both in NHL hockey and at the European style of play.
 

Random Fact: Hiller is the only goalie in the NHL who wears KOHO protective gear he is also the face of KOHO. He wears the KOHO 700 Series (Hiller has an endorsement with KOHO) . He is loyal to the company who was once a big name, but has since died out. Hiller is bringing the name back into the NHL and rightfully so. Hiller's mask was made in Switzerland by Airxess(English) by Toronado Proton  and it is the first mask in the NHL made by a Swiss company. He also has a special kind of blade guards on his skates, which he also got from Switzerland. They protect the blades from chipping or being damaged during play against the goal posts (mainly)

Once again Good Luck to all the Ducks Olympians!


Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer (Captain), Corey Perry -Canada
Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu-Finland
Jonas Hiller, Luca Sbisa-Switzerland
Bobby Ryan, Ryan Whitney-USA

Ducks take it to 11

Some random picture I found via Google

The debate about who'll be the No 1 goalie between Jonas Hiller and J.S. Giguere has since, say slowly died out among not only Ducks fans, but the media. Hiller has been absolutely sensational from when he was able to show his true self when his [former] goaltender teammate Giguere was able to take the time to take care of personal issues off the ice. In the wake of the death of Giguere's father; who rightfully so had time off to cope emotionally. You could just imagine Hiller saying to Giguere, once he had returned from Montreal.

"Hey J.S. I'll try all I can do so you don't have to play as much."

Giguere and Hiller probably commuted somewhere along the lines of that, which not only did Hiller get to play more, he was probably also pushed to help a friend in need who wasn't all emotionally there, when it came to hockey. Giguere has had a hefty load served up on his plate but he managed himself through it. Hiller told Giguere about his new contract even before it was official at the time  Hiller had made this announcement; Giguere was the only person who knew while the rest of the team was clueless before it [Hiller's contract] became official."We're just honest that way" Hiller said.

Giguere has been nothing but supportive over a red streaking Hiller. Giguere; who hoped to play as a Duck knew he had heavy "competition" with Jonas. Giguere though didn't believe in the competition against a teammate the only competition he's ever believed in was against the puck. He never believed in it especially against his own teammates. Giguere was soon gone after Hiller had signed his contract. Giguere was traded in exchange for Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake. Giguere is 2-1 in his first three games as a Leaf. He recorded his first loss in a team that knows him a little to well a rival when in Anaheim the San Jose Sharks beat the Leafs 3-1 (2/08/10) Giguere would tie a record with Ed "The Eagle" Belfour with a shutout in his debut later that week, after Gustvasson was put in net in favor of Giguere in the 3-4 loss to the New Jersey Devils (2/05/10. Giguere was started against the 0-5 shutout win over the rival Ottawa Senators (2/06/10). The shutout against the Senators put Giguere in the books as the Leafs first goalie to have two shutouts in his first two games.

The Ducks have been hot and they've made a franchise record of 11 straight at home. The 11th win came in sloppy and nail biting game against a team who has only won three of their last twenty seven games the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers tallied two short handed goals against the Ducks. Ryan Potulny scored to tie up the game Ethan Moreau scored to put the Oilers in the lead over the Ducks  Bobby Ryan scored the first Ducks goal than would shortly tie up the game on a sniping wrister to tie up the game. James Wisniewski shot the puck from the blue line which had rookie goaltender Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers down. The puck deflected off of Todd Marchant's stick beating a shocked Deslauriers. A penalty had been "awarded" to Petteri Nokelainen putting the Ducks one man short. Then Drouin-Deslauriers went to the bench, in hopes of the Oilers tying it up. The Ducks survived a 6-4 man disadvantage.


Jonas Hiller had 37 saves as he was one if not the biggest reason on making this franchise record eleven straight at home. Hiller had bailed out the team and if he hadn't come to save the day, the game could of easily been 6-3 Oilers. The Ducks had played almost unenthusiastic but it kept the game exciting. Hiller had the first star of the game and he has been coming up big. Toskala was shown on the bench, as he was chomping away at his gum. He looked pretty happy and content though most likely cannot wait to hit the ice to play a game with the Ducks. He most likely will not get a start in the next two games. The Ducks have 20 games remaining after the Olympic break. Toskala will probably play within that stretch at least once.


GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE DUCKS OLYMPIANS!


Team Canada:
Ryan Getzlaf
Scott Niedermayer
Corey Perry

Team Finland:
Saku Koivu
Teemu Selanne

Team Switzerland:
Jonas Hiller
Luca Sbisa (prospect; not on current roster)

Team USA:
Bobby Ryan
Ryan Whitney.

Go for the Gold USA! Gold for Brendan (Burke)!

Hiller will be standing on his head, in where he'll be reunited with his friends from his native Switzerland; the 2010 Olympics should be interesting and intricate! This is the Athlete's biggest stage. Winter Olympics Vancouver 2010; Let the Games begin!

Vesa Toskala: No more blue and white

According to a small tidbit from Orange County Register. Toskala has made it clear he doesn't want to be a back up.


And if Vesa Toskala doesn't want a back up role which he had in Toronto then he's going to have to prove more than one thing. He's in competition with Jonas Hiller this is to say Toskala believes he is in the running of competition with Hiller. J.S. Giguere never saw it as a competition between him and Hiller in fact he didn't believe in that.  Toskala hopes to wash the 'blue and white' out of his gear."Hopefully soon," Toskala said. "So I can wash that blue and white out of my gear." Meaning, he didn't leave Toronto on a good note and obviously didn't have too many good memories with them. In the case of him running in competition with Hiller here is a comment he told to OC Register

"I don't think I'm a backup goalie," he said. "I obviously want to play a lot, and I know how good I can play. But like I said earlier, there are lots of things you can't control in this league. I just do whatever I have to do here to help the team make the playoffs.
"I'm not going to complain or anything. If it's my call, I would play every game because I love to play. When I play a lot, I play my best."

Most goalies play his/her best when they get a lot of time to play it creates a rhythm which is needed, despite the way one played more time will better credit to their play; thus is why Randy Carlyle's "Win. You're in" mantra did not work. Toskala is going to have to prove his worth in Anaheim especially after being acquired in the Giguere trade. Despite Giguere's struggles over the last season and a half fans and media are going to be skeptical over Toskala. Giguere wore a Ducks' uniform for way to long for there to be no skepticism but not only what was previously stated skepticism also comes from his recent struggles with Toronto. As with the comment, he is going to have to prove he can play well but maybe he'll play well in a new place. Toskala hails from a hockey mad country; where [returning] to California  isn't so much of hockey crazy place. In  Canada, a hockey player has about literally 30 reporters following him where in California 5 reporters for a hockey player is considered a lot. California is a state that cares a lot about baseball it's baseball made and of course, there's football but when it comes to the top four sports hockey takes the back burner.

If Toskala thinks he can out do Hiller then he's going to have to be good. No he doesn't have to be good, he has to be superior to win over a hot Hiller and he's going a lot more to prove than just stopping the puck if he wants to "pass" his newest goaltending teammate. Hiller has made a big name for himself in the Orange County hockey world and Toskala has not. While his name is very recognizable, which has been more in a scrutinized light than good. Toskala has good amount to clear off of his plate. While he is in a less pressurized market the fans are going to be critical. Especially through the remaining year since the Giguere trade still has a pretty good hold emotionally of all the Anaheim hockey fans.

More than likely Toskala would be gone after this season as he is an unrestricted free agent.Where the Ducks will most likely call upon Justin Pogge as a backup. However, the Ducks have Timo Pielmeier who has been stellar with the Condors. The Ducks also have J.P. Levasseur and Marco Cousineau as touted future goalies.

So all thoughts will be reserved on Toskala until he gets some games in a Ducks sweater under his belt. More than one game well be needed for a new player to be judged. As well, lets hope Toskala has a good attitude in the locker room if he does he should be welcomed in fairly quickly as all other players have into the Ducks family.

"Toskala said he did request jersey No.35 ... but for obvious reasons was denied. He will wear No.36."

However since Toskala said, he did request the number 35 he will be put in somewhat of a critical light for that.Even though Toskala wore 35 in Toronto that number still (as also previously mentioned) has too much of an emotional attachment among Ducks fans. Lets play the waiting game with Toskala only time will tell about him and his future.

Vesa Toskala joins Ducks

Vesa Toskala has cleared immigration his papers have been settled. Toskala will join the Ducks in Sunday's  practice and he has been added to the Anaheim roster. Toskala was acquired with Jason Blake in exchange for J.S. Giguere. According to Brady's blog; Toskala who wore 35 with Toronto will not wear 35 in Anaheim. This is where Ducks fans can  sigh a sign of relief. The number 35 will always be affiliated with Giguere in Anaheim and no other name can falter this. Giguere is wearing 35 in Toronto and tonight against the Senators where he played his second game with his new team, he is 2-0 with both as shutouts.


Justin Pogge has been sent back down to San Antonio Rampage making room for the Ducks newest goalie.

Toskala was born in Tempere, Finland on May 20,1977. He was drafted fourth (90th) overall in 1995 by the San Jose Sharks. His career record is  in 260 NHL games 127-82-5-25-13 (Wins, Loses, Ties, Over Time, Shutouts) With a career average of .922 save percentage and 2.77 goals against average. Vesa will be another Finn added to the Ducks roster. There are currently four players from Finland on the Ducks roster; Finland is the most represented out of North America country in the Anaheim Hockey Club. The Finns include: Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, Petteri Nokelainen, and the newest Vesa Toskala. There are only two other players  on the current Ducks roster not born in either Canada or the US. Jonas Hiller (Switzerland) and Evgeny Artyhukin(Russia)

And now, we must play the waiting game to see how Toskala will pan out in Anaheim, behind Hiller.

The new era: After Giguere

 

 

LETS TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE BEFORE READING THIS ENTRY FOR FORMER DUCKS GM BRIAN BURKE AND HIS FAMILY.THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH BURKIE AND FAMILY. It has been confirmed that Burke's youngest son, Brendan (21) has succumbed to injury from a car accident in 

Indiana.

                              

Jonas Hiller during warm-ups. Red Wings vs. Ducks Feb 3, 2010

Since the franchise goaltender was shipped off to Toronto, Ontario in Canada the Ducks have played three games; Hiller has started all three games and he is currently 2-1. The first game after J.S. Giguere's depature the Ducks took the ice in Sunrise, Florida where Hiller and Anaheim recorded a 3-0 shutout.  Giguere's departure consisted of him in his full gear in Sunrise but before he was out on the ice; the phone was handed to him and there, he knew, he was no longer a Duck. He asked if he would waive his no trade clause and he agreed. According to the Orange County Register, the scene was surreal as the entire team skated over to Giguere and all of them hugged the Ducks legendary and franchise goaltender. Then Giguere took the team bus, a ten minute ride back to the hotel; where he packed his belongings. Giguere then made his debut against the New Jersey Devils where he posted a 3-0 shutout. Who would of thought right after Hiller signed his contract that each would put the same exact score in their respect team's record books (3-0) The only difference was, Giguere recorded the shutout at home and Hiller recorded the shutout on the road. Giguere's 3-0 shutout put him in the books of Leafs history as he was only the second goalie in franchise history to record a shutout in his debut with the team. Ed "The Eagle" Belfour was the first (2002) to do so.

Soon after the shutout on the road against the Panthers, the Ducks flew home and played the heavily conference rival the Detroit Red Wings. Where Hiller record his career high of 47 saves including a breakaway save on Pavel Datysuk which brought a rain of cheers from the Ducks fans. Datysuk spoiled Hiller's shutout when he scored a power play goal in the second period a hooking call on Saku Koivu.

the Ducks newest fan John T Meyer met up with fans for a "Tweep Up" as the  Ducks won the contest of "Pick My NHL team" Adam Brady, the Ducks main and official blogger gave the group a tour of the some of the Honda Center and went down to the glass to watch warm ups. This was John's first ever NHL Game, and did the Ducks give him a memorable night a 3-1 win over a heavy rival.

The next day, the Ducks would travel to Los Angeles to play the division rivals, the LA Kings. Where they would lose 4-6.

                                       Justin Pogge during warm-ups vs the Red Wings Feb 3, 2010


Justin Pogge had been called up from the San Antonio Rampage as an emergency back up to Hiller. Pogge has not played in  regular NHL Season game yet with the Ducks.Pogge was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a draft pick. Pogge has played in an NHL game, in face he's played in a hand full with Toronto where he struggled. He hopes to have a resurgence in Anaheim. Former Ducks GM' Brian Burke thought it would be best to send Pogge to a different team and he best thought it was to his former team where he helped the Ducks win the first Stanley Cup in the state of California.


Vesa Toskala was acquired along with Jason Blake in exchange for J.S. Giguere. Toskala still remains in Toronto as he is going through the immigration process and will be with Anaheim shortly. Toskala was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 1995 entry draft. Toskala during the 2009-2010 season has a record of 26-7-12 with a 3.66 goals against average and a .874 save percentage

Hiller inked; Giguere traded.

 

2007 brand new parents. Kristen and [former] Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere 

sit Maxime Olivier in the Stanley Cup.

We knew this was going to happen at some point. When the goalie situation started, we knew one goalie was going to be wearing a different sweater. J.S. Giguere was the goaltender most leaned towards not wearing a Ducks sweater. Jonas Hiller signed a $18 Million contract for four years. Rightfully so, Giguere was slotted as a backup goaltender before he left Anaheim.

It's a sad thing to see someone like Giguere sent to another team, but he is excited as this brings a new opportunity for him. Giguere came to Anaheim in 2001 from the Calgary Flames; he was drafted by the Hartford Whalers (Carolina Hurricanes) in 1995. Giguere has done wonders for the Ducks; he won the Conn Smythe trophy as the most valuable player in the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals; the Ducks lost to the New Jersey Devils and Giguere only the 5th player to receive the honor on a losing team. 

He is the winningest goalie in Ducks goaltending history, as he has set the record, he also has the highest amount of shutouts.

Giguere even acquired his nickname from the Ducks "Jiggy" from the Will Smith song; "Gettin Jiggy wit it" at first Giguere didn't like the name but he had warmed up to it and has been called it ever since. Every time the then Arrowhead Pond played the Will Smith song, he would come up with huge and timely saves and the team opted his nickname as "Jiggy" Giguere has since asked the facility not to play the song during his career in Anaheim. The facility has happily obliged to his wishes.

Jiggy is nothing but class, sure he stated out publicly that "I'd rather retire than be a back up goalie" which the media and fans had spun into something completely different than what he intended it to be.


Jonas Hiller wouldn't be the goalie that he is today, if it wasn't for Giguere. The two have an excellent relationship and this won't ruin it. Giguere was the first person for Hiller to tell about his extension. When Hiller had this deal for sure,  people knew Giguere was gone, but no one not even Hiller expected for him to be gone the next day.


Todd Marchant, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Scott Niedermayer are some of the main players who were there when the Ducks took the 2007 Stanley Cup. The image of that will never fade from the fans of the Ducks. Perry was the first to jump into Jiggy's arms as time wounded down. Jiggy had troubles getting his gloves off and he was forced to jump as Perry followed by Getzlaf then the rest of the team mobbed him. He was forced to jump as to avoid not to get pummeled/killed by his teammates.

Giguere was the face of the Ducks franchise, but as a younger and cheaper goaltender came in and pushed him of his no 1 spot. He was no longer the more viable goalie. Hiller had attached to Giguere the moment he stepped into the Ducks locker room in 2007. Giguere made sure of this, not by arrogance, no. But by the mere fact that Giguere told Hiller; if you need (help with) anything don't hesitate to ask. Hiller never hesitated. Giguere gave him the ins and outs of the league and helped him tremendously, giving advice like it were candy. Yet, Giguere doesn't consider himself a mentor. Giguere will help any goaltender as long as it helps him advance in his career. This is what he'll be doing with his new team the Toronto Maple Leafs with his newest goaltender teammate; the sensational 25 year old rookie from Sweden Jonas Gustvasson. Gustvasson is happy to have Giguere as a teammate and believes he'll learn a lot from the goalie who has a lot behind him. This he will Gustvasson is going to learn tons from someone like Jiggy and there will be no regrets for the Leafs; signing someone as classy and noble as Giguere. Gustvasson will learn a lot from Giguere on and off the ice.

The Ducks acquired goalie Vesa Toskala and winger Jason Blake in return for the franchise's winningest goalie. Blake was with the team in Sunrise, Florida where Hiller and the Ducks posted a 3-0 shutout to beat the Panthers and end the road trip on a good note; despite the hectic weekend involving the Ducks. Anaheim also sent rookie wingers Dan Sexton and Matt Beleskey back down to the minors. Sexton was sent back to the Manitoba Moose and Beleskey to the Bakersfield Condors; Anaheim's main ECHL affiliate Anaheim also placed Nick Boynton on waivers Anaheim recalled goaltender Justin Pogge as a back-up to Hiller in Flordia. Toskala couldn't leave Canada as he was to clear the immigration process.  He must obtain his visa to become a legal immigrant in the United States; otherwise most visiting players have obtained at least a passport. Professional sports require all players to follow immigration laws in both the United States and Canada. As well with different countries, if the team has an exhibition game in a different country other than the US/Canada. This should/of been a smooth process for Toskala as he has previously played for the San Jose Sharks.

As the Ducks enter the new Hiller era, the Ducks are excited to move on. A legend has left the organization but he has been reunited with long time goalie coach; Francios Allaire.Also he has been reunited with former Ducks GM Brian Burke will is the GM for Team USA. Hiller will be starting for his home country Team Switzerland this month in the Vancouver Olympics. Hiller was acquired in 2007 and he is undrafted. Before Hiller came to the Ducks; he was virtually unheard of in the NHL, but thanks to the likes of Joe Thornton he has quickly found the spotlight in Anaheim. One big reason Hiller signed with the Ducks is due to former goaltending coach Allaire, now in Toronto and reunited with Giguere.

We can't deny Giguere, despite his struggles on the ice as Hiller had snugged himself between the pipes and found himself playing more and more efficiently as time went on. The Ducks no longer had a lingering goalie situation; As Hiller is now the clear cut No 1 goaltender. Giguere is getting a second chance in Toronto and he rightfully so deserves another chance. As he still has some hockey left in him.

LET THE HILLER ERA BEGIN! The German speaking Swiss as taken over the reigns in Anaheim.

#35 ALWAYS A DUCK IN THE HEARTS OF DUCKS FANS! #35.

#35 AMAZING, UNDENIABLE, EXCELLENT GOALIE, AMAZING HUMAN BEING. WE'LL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU JIGGY. GOOD LUCK IN TORONTO! #35 WILL ALWAYS BE REGARDED WITH THE NAME GIGUERE ABOVE IT. If someone does wear 35 such as Toskala (which he most likley won't) 35 will never in a Ducks sweater be the same without you, Jiggy!

THANK YOU, JIGGY FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE! FOR 2003, FOR 2007 FOR EVERYTHING!