A new exhibition featuring commemorative artwork, posters, hockey jerseys, and memorabilia celebrating the Anaheim Ducks 25th Anniversary and chronicling the history of the Orange County franchise is on display at John Wayne Airport. Ticketed passengers can view the exhibit through December 2019.
“Orange County’s home hockey team, the Anaheim Ducks, are known throughout the world not only for winning championships but also for their philanthropic support and commitment to the community,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett. “Vistors and sports enthusiasts alike are sure to enjoy viewing the commemorative display at John Wayne Airport.”
Passengers strolling through the Vi Smith Concourse Gallery located on the Departure (upper) Level (post-security), across from Gates 2 through 5 in Terminal A, Gates 18 through 21 in Terminal C and in the free-standing display cases across from Gate 14 will have the opportunity to view fun and informative displays depicting the team’s history and achievements.
Summarized descriptions of some of the displays include:
- California’s First Cup (Round 4 vs. Ottawa Senators, won series 4-1): The Ducks became the first team from California to win the Stanley Cup with a 4-1 series victory over the Ottawa Senators in 2007. Anaheim’s appearance in the final marked just the fifth time since 1926 that a West Coast team competed for the Stanley Cup.
- Hockey Jersey Displays: Three case displays of Anaheim Duck jerseys through the years (The Mighty Era, The New Look, The Modern Look).
- #27 Scott Niedermayer: Scott Niedermayer played five seasons with the Ducks, including four as team captain. Under Niedermayer’s leadership, the Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007 and reached the playoffs in three of his four seasons as captain. Niedermayer, who was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013, had his No. 27 Ducks jersey retired at Honda Center in 2019.
- How The West Was Won (Round 1, Western Conference Quarterfinals): The 2002-03 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. The Mighty Ducks faced the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, marking the third playoff meeting between the two teams.
Founded in 1993 through a franchise by the Walt Disney Company, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim began their inaugural season on October 8, 1993, against the Detroit Red Wings, and finished the season setting a record for the most wins by an expansion team. After Henry and Susan Samueli acquired the team in 2005, a new era began for the franchise when the team officially became known as the Anaheim Ducks in 2006.
The Anaheim Ducks take pride in serving the Southern California Community through the Anaheim Ducks Foundation and a variety of charitable fundraisers, educational programs, and outreach activities. Click here to learn more.
For more information about John Wayne Airport’s Art Programs, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits/.