ANAHEIM — Marking Orange County's entry into big-time hockey and the Walt Disney Co.'s daring venture into professional sports, the Mighty Ducks took to the ice Friday night in their first official National Hockey League game before 17,174 cheering fans at the Anaheim Arena.
In the end, the Detroit Red Wings, who some observers believe will contend for the Stanley Cup this season, overwhelmed the Ducks, 7 to 2.
Sean Hill had the Ducks' inaugural goal, scoring in the second period when the score was 3-0 in favor of the Red Wings. The first goal tallied against the new franchise was scored by Detroit's Aaron Ward early in the first period. His shot from the blue line caromed off a Duck's skate and by the goaltender.
As the teams skated out for the opening faceoff, a deafening roar rose from the capacity crowd which, just moments before, had watched one of the most elaborate pregame events in professional sports.
"It feels like opening night at the best show in town," said Anaheim Mayor Tom Daly. "Everything's done in first-class Disney style with all the special flourishes."
Disney's extravagant pregame show on and off the ice cost at least $450,000. The 20-minute theatrical production included elaborate indoor fireworks displays, a flying entrance by the Ducks' new mascot and a grand finale with 100 costumed skaters on ice, including the Decoys, the team's cheerleading squad.
Borrowing from other Disney entertainment products, the show opened with a spotlight at center ice on Lumiere, the friendly cartoon character from "Beauty and the Beast." The opening song, "Be Our Guest," was also from the production.
"I thought it was terrific. I thought I was at Disneyland," Mike Tesoriero, 36, of Downey said about the pregame show. "They don't know how to skate, but they do know how to put on a show."
No detail was spared.
Inside each luxury box, the team placed a gift basket of candy and bottled water, along with a chocolate goaltender's mask shaped like The Mighty Ducks logo.
As fans entered the arena, the staff handed out free duck calls, and a Dixieland band played, "When the Ducks Come Marching In." Soon, the crowd was squawking in tune with the band.
Taking a cue from the marketing tactics of Jerry Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Disney also invited a host of celebrities for the season opener. Among those on the guest list were actress Michelle Pfeiffer, singer Paula Abdul and actor Emilio Estevez, who played the coach in "The Mighty Ducks," the Disney film from which the team's name is taken.
