Golden Knights traveling in... Anaheim
Traveling for hockey games is always a fun time. Here's why Vegas Golden Knights fans should make the journey to Orange County for an NHL game.
Traveling for NHL games is always a fun time. There's plenty to do before the game and it takes your mind off life's various nuances and troubles. For many, traveling is the perfect therapy needed to decompress, especially for Vegas Golden Knights fans. The fanbase knows how to travel well, taking over various cities such as Tempe and Los Angeles.
However, there's one particular trip Golden Knights fans must make in their trip next season. The trip is also in Southern California, except it has a more 'magical' feel to it. It offers the California suburbs a team they can call theirs without driving into the city. Of course, that city happens to be Anaheim.
Orange County is home to numerous teams and famous figures, ranging from the "Los Angeles Angels" (seriously, they need to adopt the 'Anaheim' moniker in their name again) to Gwen Stefani and No Doubt. However, the Ducks have also etched their name in the region's annals, even establishing themselves in hockey history.
For one, they're the first NHL team from California to win the Stanley Cup. They defeated the Ottawa Senators, 4-1, in 2007 to bring home the most coveted trophy in sports. The Ducks have also housed numerous big-name players, including Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya. Hockey in California doesn't take off without winning Lord Stanley, after all.
With that, I did some traveling and went undercover for a game. The experience itself was fantastic, with a good game to boot. For any Vegas hockey fans looking to bite into some oranges next season, here's the complete guide on what to do in Orange County's sportiest city.
What makes the Anaheim Ducks unique?
Some NHL teams are named after a resident animal in the state or region (i.e. the Florida Panthers). Some are named after a significant historical piece within the region or state (i.e. the Columbus Blue Jackets). But for the Anaheim Ducks, they were named based on a movie: The Mighty Ducks.
The Disney classic featuring Emilio Estevez was about a ragtag group of hockey players. They're coached by a Minneapolis defense attorney (Estevez) who's forced into doing community service from a night of heavy drinking and driving. Eventually, the team wins the state championship, overcoming improbable odds.
Of course, Walt Disney Company founded the team in 1993, naming it... the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. They owned it until 2005 when it was sold to Henry and Susan Samueli. They made it to their second Stanley Cup Finals in 2007 (the first being in 2003, where they lost to the New Jersey Devils in seven games), becoming Stanley Cup champions that season. Oddly enough, they changed their name to the Anaheim Ducks before that year started, making for a simpler moniker.
Traveling to Anaheim
For Vegas Golden Knights fans, there are a couple of ways to make it down to this magical city. One is getting a cheap plane ticket, booking a rental car, and getting a hotel. It's reasonable, although the rental car could be costly. The other way is driving, which only takes four hours and spare change. It might take a chunk of your gas--and mileage. However, it's worth seeing the scenic California mountains along the way.
Most Las Vegans know that California traffic is the worst. After all, many have come from the Golden State. Prepare to only move one mile for 30 minutes. Even with the mass exodus of Californians moving to different states, there are still too many people on the roads to ever move. It's like the Chinese Water Torture Technique, only in car form.
But once Vegas Golden Knights fans sort through the conga line of cars and are heading into Anaheim, it's smooth sailing. Compared to, say, Los Angeles, Orange County is more relaxed. It's far better traveling to see a hockey game here compared to Hollywood for the sheer simplicity alone.
What's there to do in Anaheim?
That's an easy answer. Disneyland is the main attraction for Anaheim, for you can bring the entire family if you're lucky enough to have some spare cash. Whether it's getting a good scare at the Haunted Mansion or riding on Dumbo the Elephant, Disneyland is essentially Orange County's lifeblood and main attraction.
It's no wonder it's been the go-to place for millennials to live out their childhood dreams. In essence, it makes anyone feel like a kid again, with the bright colors and larger-than-life characters. Of course, having the Disney name associated with the attraction drives money.
But if you're not looking to spend an arm and a leg to see a gigantic fairytale castle, there's also the FlightDeck Flight Simulation Center. Here, Vegas Golden Knights fans can unleash their inner Pete Mitchell and go on an expedition. There's also checking out the Pacific Ocean if hockey fans look to venture through Orange County, checking out the crashing waves and scenic beaches.
The soundtrack for Anaheim
Anaheim has that Southern California vibe, which calls for some chill music. The drive down and game day should consist of ska, alternative, and punk rock. Here's what Vegas Golden Knights fans should play before their team faces off against the Ducks.
No Doubt
The Orange County-based band deserves some love here for its recognizable tunes. Gwen Stefani has also done an excellent job launching her career into stardom after being in the band. "Don't Speak," "Hella Good," and "I'm Just A Girl" should be some of the songs playing in the rotation.
Billy Talent
Not many people are familiar with the punk rock band. However, Billy Talent is a Canadian band with some good hockey bangers. That includes "Red Flag," "Try Honesty," and "Viking Death March."
The Aquabats!
Personally, the Aquabats are a great band for playing before an Anaheim Ducks game. They're upbeat, weird, and one of the better ska bands around. "Martian Girl," "Pizza Day," and "Aquabat March" are some of the tunes that should be in the rotation.
Hoobastank
First, be sure to check out Hoobastank for the free Fremont concert on June 8. Fremont Street Experience is always a fun time with friends, after all. As for the band, they have "Pieces," "Crawling in the Dark," and, of course, "The Reason." The SoCal experience isn't complete without the Agoura Hills band playing in the car.
Avenged Sevenfold
The Huntington Beach band is well-known for its progressive metal tracks, where they were a huge hit in the 2000s and beyond. Vegas Golden Knights fans will want to hear "Bat Country," "Hail to the King," and "Nightmare" before heading to see their team battle the Ducks.
What will the Gameday Experience be like for Vegas Golden Knights fans?
Full disclosure: I went to the March 24 game, where the Anaheim Ducks played the Tampa Bay Lightning. Not many NHL fans like the Vegas Golden Knights for various reasons, including cheating accusations and being "gifted" a team. Therefore, it was time to whip out the Gordon Bombay jersey and head out! Still, it was fun being a neutral party and seeing the home team try and vanquish Steven Stamkos and company.
Along the way, there was a passionate little Ducks fan taking in his first hockey game. His name was Ashen and his parents were long-time residents of Orange County. He had an excellent time watching his team take the Lightning to overtime. Ashen was there for the fun and to watch the Ducks win (hopefully). Although Tampa Bay won the game, 3-2, it was still a fun night out with incredible seats for a reasonable price. Ashen was also the hit of the crowd.
Overall, Honda Center deserves a 9.7 out of 10 for being one of the most hospitable arenas ever. Parking was easy to access and next to the arena for a good price, the gameday experience was fun, and the environment was friendly. There's definitely going to be another hockey game at the Honda Center in the near future.
Vegas Golden Knights fans will have the same experience once the NHL season rolls around. Anaheim is an underrated city, with numerous things to do within its confines. If you're a Golden Knights fan, look at going to Orange County for a hockey game in 2024-25.
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