ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim announced today that the club has partnered with 15 ice and roller hockey rinks for the first phase of its inaugural Future Ducks Program. A community-based initiative geared to promote and educate area youths about the sport of hockey and the Mighty Ducks, the 15 Southland rinks are spread geographically between Orange (7), Riverside (4), Los Angeles (3) and San Diego (1) counties. The club will continue adding area rinks to the program, having set a goal of 22 partnerships by the 2006-2007 hockey season.

“We’re proud to introduce another dedicated and long-term partnership with our local rinks and our fans,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Ryan. “The Future Ducks Program speaks to the heart of our organization, placing a premium on helping those who support us now and will in the future. As a franchise, we’ve placed utmost value on creating strong community ties and are striving to implement new and inventive ways to tell our story.”

The ongoing program runs yearly, beginning each fall and this year includes a monthly newsletter entitled Beyond the Boards, a life-sized stand-up display of right wing Teemu Selanne, a Mighty Ducks branded dasherboard, a framed 2005-06 team signed jersey with an 8 X 10 player photo and game puck.

Beyond the Boards is delivered to rinks in the area and features player interviews, stories on rink activities, ticket promotional packages and a monthly schedule that includes upcoming local roller and ice hockey tournaments.

Players and patrons of participating rinks are also given the opportunity to purchase special discounted tickets to select Mighty Ducks games. Rinks enrolled in the program are guaranteed special appearances by Mighty Ducks players and personnel throughout the hockey season.