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Faithful fowl fans Ducks' supporters hope for happier ending next yearPosted: Monday June 09, 2003 8:56 PMUpdated: Tuesday June 10, 2003 3:02 AM ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Mary Jo Anderson knew from the beginning that her beloved Mighty Ducks faced an uphill battle in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, but that didn't make her team's 3-0 loss any easier to swallow. "We're very proud of them but sad for them, too," she said. "I wanted them to win so badly. It's so sad for the players, I hurt for them."
They brought their Pond Rockers, the Ducks' version of the Anaheim Angels' Thunderstix; their Fowl Towels, their "Let's Go Ducks" signs and their belief in miracles. But it wasn't enough to overcome New Jersey, which won all four of the Stanley Cup games played on its home ice. The Ducks won all three games played at Arrowhead Pond, leaving dejected fans to hope the team will make it back to the finals next year. Still, the here and now was painful for many. "We're sad because we thought they could do it. I feel like crying and I'm sure I will again later," said Kevin Hurley, 45, of Laguna. Tears streamed down the face of his 11-year-old daughter, Karly. "I thought they came all this way and they were going to do it," she said. Gary Chow, 38, of Placentia admitted he had a few tears when he saw the third goal scored against the Ducks go into the net. "This is very hard," he added. Chow said he knew the Ducks faced a tough game in New Jersey. "But you hope that they'll pull it out," he said. "Whether it's the Devils or the Ducks it's tough for a fan. "Next season is only four months away," he added. We'll be back." Melissa Diek, 16, of Mission Viejo said the Ducks surpassed everybody's expectations this year, adding the team should be congratulated for that. Her message to the Ducks: "Good job for getting this far." Fans will get the chance to thank the players personally during a celebration Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Arrowhead Pond. The team will be honored for winning its first NHL Western Conference championship. The more than 7,000 fans who cheered them on from the Pond on Monday paid $5 apiece to get in, money that goes to Mighty Ducks Cares, which benefits various Orange County charities. The turnout eclipsed all similar gatherings to watch the Anaheim Angels play in San Francisco during the World Series, said Charles Harris, director of publicity and community development for the Mighty Ducks. Those who arrived came wearing their affection for the Ducks on their sleeves, almost literally. Thirteen-year-old Daniella Molina of Placentia and two of her friends were so excited about Game 7, they used black grease pencils to write in huge letters "Go Ducks" on their arms and legs. Janet Bumstead, 42, of Chino Hills had on her favorite Ducks jersey. "We're so excited. We've been so nervous all day. Our stomachs
have been doing flip flops," she said before the game.
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