This Day in Ducks History: Anaheim Claims First Ever Stanley Cup

Let's take a step back in time!

June 6, 2007 is a special day in the history of the Anaheim Ducks. Anaheim defeated the Ottawa Senators by a score of 6-2 in game five to claim their first ever Stanley Cup trophy. It was the first Stanley Cup won by a team in the state of California as well. The historic title remains the only for Anaheim and it's a reminder that excellence can be achieved. 

After losing the Stanley Cup Finals in game seven in 2003, Anaheim was determined to get back and finish the job. It took a few years but the team underwent massive changes in between. They changed from the Mighty Ducks to just the Ducks and even changed their jerseys as well. The purple and teal that fans had grown to love, changed to black and orange for a more "real" feel. 

Well, it seemed to work because the first season with the new rebranding was 2007. Call it good luck but whatever it was, it worked in the team's favor. 

Anaheim traded for star defenseman Chris Pronger and created a shut-down line with him and Rob Niedermayer leading the way. The Ducks defense was their calling card during the 2007 season and was a major reason as to why they became champions. Ironically, two rookies on the 2007 team became franchise icons. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry were both selected in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft and the rest was history.

It was a long time coming, especially for some members of the team such as Teemu Selänne. Selänne was known for being one of the better scorers in the NHL but was missing the biggest accomplishment within the league. He finally got his prize and was forever immortalized. Selänne ended up becoming the first Ducks player to have a jersey hang in the rafters as well. 

Even though 16 years have passed, the 2007 Ducks team will forever stand as champions of the NHL. It was an incredible moment for the franchise, fans and hockey in general. Remembering the past can help us look ahead and hopefully for Duck fans, another title is in the near future.