Many other fans flocked into the Draft as the event had been sold-out. Every California team was represented by a handful of fans.
There were players the Ducks wanted but were projected too high for Anaheim since the Ducks' first choice came at No 12. One of those players was Cam Fowler but before the draft and at the Combine in Toronto. Anaheim, as with other teams interviewed players they could possibly get their hands on. Fowler. While Anaheim wanted him at that time, they knew they'd probably never ever get someone like him. There was absolutely no point in even asking him one question. He was projected to go no lower than the fifth pick.
The issue was, at least for someone who was projected so high. Teams went up and selected their players before that the Dallas Stars chose bright-future goalie Jack Campbell, the kid who helped the USA, along with Fowler, win gold at the World Juniors. Fowler on the otherhand just sat there as his name was passed up 11 times. In the first slot, the Edmonton Oilers chose Taylor Hall a teammate of Fowler's of the Memorial Cup winning team. The Windsor Spitfires. Excited for his teammate Fowler clapped and was really happy for Hall.
After not hearing his name 11 times. The Anaheim Ducks, who were welcomed up to the stage with a mix of load boos from Kings fans and cheers from the Ducks.
"The Anaheim Ducks are proud to select from Northville, Michigan Cam Fowler"
Fowler walked up to the stage in a cascade of boos and some cheers. Gary Bettman was up on stage as usual and met Fowler at the stairs and told Fowler " Now you know you're part of a great rivalry. Welcome to the NHL. Congratulations."
Fowler responded with a "yeah" and proceeded up the stage to shake everyone's hands. Including Scott Niedermayer's hand, who he idolized while growing up. Fowler also received his first NHL jersey from his hero. In an interview conducted by the NHL/Ducks Fowler said after shaking Niedermayer's hand. He kind of blacked out and everything went on from there. Again Fowler was welcomed into the NHL with loud boos from Kings and cheers once Ducks fans actually realized that fantasy turned into reality and Fowler was officially wearing a Ducks jersey. .
NHL teams usually make pre-made name tags up for players they think they can get. Then attach it to the back of the jersey with Velcro. Anaheim did not have this available for Fowler as he fell to No 12 for one reason or another.
Scotty will serve as a mentor to Fowler to help him improve his game and become a full-time NHL player.
The next pick wasn't until No 29 from Philadelphia for Anaheim. Again the Ducks struck big, when Emerson Etem a local kid born and raised in Long Beach fell. Etem asked "What did they forget about me?" Etem grew up a Kings fan and was disappointed when Los Angeles had passed him up. Anaheim chose the local boy, as Murray had stood up at the podium and said
"Anaheim Ducks are proud to present form Long Beach, California Emerson Etem"
When Murray reached Long Beach it was barely audible from there on. Etem had countless of supporters with him and the Staples Center went wild as a local team chose a local kid. Even a Sharks fan turned around and congratulated him as he was walking down to the stage.
Unlike Fowler, Etem knows the rivalry between the Ducks and Kings really well. Etem, who won't be much of a Kings fan sooner than later will have a lot of fun playing against the team he grew up with. Despite living just 20 minutes away from the Honda Center; he has never stepped foot into The Pond.
With Fowler as said, he definitely had a taste of the rivalry between the two teams. Though if Fowler had connections with the organization. He most likely knew some of the rivalry between the two teams but really got a taste of it at the Draft.
On the 2nd day. Anaheim chose with their 3rd overall pick and 42nd overall. Devante Smith-Pelly a player who likes to finish his checks. Anaheim traded away Mike Brown to Toronto for Toronto's 122nd Draft pick and chose Chris Wagner a defenseman who was passed over in the 2009 Draft.
Anaheim took Tim Heed with their 5th 132nd overall, 6th pick 161st overall Andreas Dahlstorm, 7th pick 177th overall Kevin Lind, and with their final pick, as their 8th choice and 192nd overall Brett Perlini.
Anaheim did not chose a goalie in the 2010 Draft which may indicate that the management didn't necessarily feel a big need for a gate keeper. The Ducks currently have six goalies in the pool all though two are Free Agents. J.P Levasseur who the Ducks qualified along with Bobby Ryan, Brendan Mikkelson, Shawn Weller, and Bobby Bolt. Anaheim is working on an extension with Leveassuer and are positive on re-signing Ryan.. Levasseur is a UFA and Joey MacDonald is also a free agent, I believe a RFA?
The Ducks also put Nathan Oystrick on waivers if Oystrick does not clear the Ducks could buy him out.
Anaheim at the 2010 Entry Draft Chose five Forwards and three Defenseman:
Defense:
Cam Fowler
Tim Heed
Kevin Lind
Forwards:
Emerson Etem
Devante Smith-Pelly
Christopher Wagner
Andreas Dahlstorm
Brett Perlini
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