Call it a re-match of sorts.
Tomorrow night in Anaheim there will be a pseudo Kings vs Ducks game. With the ongoing NHL lockout, it’s about as close as your’re going to get to seeing a real version of the SoCal hockey rivalry until at least 2013.
Last month, players from both clubs met up in a charity game at the Kings training facility in El Segundo. Now, this time around, they’ll square off where the Ducks train – Anaheim Ice.
Scheduled to play with a group that includes regular teammates like Justin Williams, Jeff Carter and Trevor Lewis, left wing Dustin Penner tells MayorsManor he’s looking forward to Friday night.
“It’s for youth hockey, so it’s a good cause,” the two-time Stanley Cup Champion said. “It’s also always nice to be in a competitive or professional situation. While it’s not exactly what we’re used to, it will add some spice to what we’ve been doing lately. We’ll be playing in front of a bunch of people, putting on some colored jerseys, having referees on the ice, etc. – just adding a little structure to it. Like I said, it’s also nice to do it for a good cause and to help other people out.”
Looking over to the other bench, the ‘Ducks’ team will feature Jonas Hiller, George Parros, Teemu Selanne and Sheldon Souray. Yet, there was one name on the list that elicited the best reaction.
“I know the way (Ryan) Getzlaf plays and that’s not going to be a problem for us,” quipped Penner. “There’s no worries there. He only has one Cup, so he’s not a guy we’re that concerned about.”
Kings defenseman Matt Greene was originally scheduled to play. However, word came in today that he’s had to pull out.
“That’s unfortunate,” said Penner upon hearing the news. “Obviously he won’t be receiving his paycheck.”
When we sarcastically suggested that Greene might be skipping the event because they originally spelled his name wrong on the flyer (Green instead of Greene), Penner jumped right on it.
“Yeah, that’s probably it. He can be a little petty that way, especially now that he’s engaged. He’s become a bit of a socialite.”
Greene’s roster spot will be filled by Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf.
As for his own play in the game, Penner has a clear goal in mind.
“Not getting injured would be my top priority,” he said with a laugh.
Tickets are still available. Contact the Anaheim Ice box office or call 714-493-1417.
To see an exclusive photo gallery and comments from last month’s charity game click here.
Also, if you missed Greene’s performance on the MayorsManor show yesterday, you owe it to yourself to give it a listen An unbelievable conversation to say the least – click here.
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