One More Year!

“Ducks Fans – After thinking about it for the last few months, I’ve decided to return to play for the Ducks. I’m excited about the summer additions the team has made. I know this team can win. ” – Teemu Selanne via the Anaheim Ducks Official Site.

Just months ago I was at the Honda Center on Fan Appreciation Night getting swept up in a crowd that serenaded #8 with an emotional chant of, “One more year!” Yesterday, upon reading Teemu’s statement, that wish was granted.

In 1992, Teemu Selanne broke into the NHL with an incredible NHL-record 76 goals as a rookie. Now with 17 NHL seasons under his belt, the Finnish Flash has amassed a total of 606 goals, 654 assists, and 1,260 points with the Winnipeg Jets, the San Jose Sharks, the Colorado Avalanche, and of course, the Anaheim Ducks. When looking at his Ducks-specific stats, his accomplishments appear even more impressive. Selanne is the franchise leader in games played, goals, assists, points, points per game, plus/minus, power play goals, game-winning goals, game-tying goals, and overtime goals.

And now he’s back for one more year. Having just turned 40 in July (not to mention two serious injuries last season), this is an impressive feat. Not many hockey players continue with their careers going into their 40′s, and very few have retained the level of talent that Selanne has. With the same hunger for goals and wins that he had when he first came to the NHL 18 years ago, Selanne is a feared and respected opponent. His presence immediately increases the Ducks’ chances of success.

It hasn’t been easy on the Finnish Flash, having seriously contemplated retirement for the past three offseasons. It hasn’t always been easy on the fans either. But we continue to wait patiently to see when the day comes that Teemu Selanne decides to hang up the skates for good. Until then, we will loyally and enthusiastically support the most likable, recognizable, and respected figure in the Anaheim Ducks franchise.

Thank you Teemu, for your dedication to this team and this community, for your amazing talent and perseverance, for your love of the game and the positive attitude you always display. Here’s to an incredible career. Here’s to the Ducks team that you’ve stuck with and that you believe in. Here’s to one more year.