SAN JOSE -- Whether by air or road, Ducks fans came out to see their favorite team in action for Game 3 against the Sharks on Monday night. These are their stories.
Justin Patrick (above left)and John Sinclair have been diehard fans since the team's inaugural 1993 season. Both originally from Southern California, Patrick and Sinclair have been friends since high school. These days they call Reno, Nevada home.
Kevin Diosdado is originally from San Diego, but now resides in Sacramento. A diehard Ducks fan, Diosdado made the drive from Sacramento for tonight's game. He has a winning streak this season in games he's attended. He went to Honda Center to catch the final Kings-Ducks matchup of the regular season (2-1 OTW) and also saw them come out victorious in Chicago (3-2 W). He's looking to make it 3-0 tonight. He'll also be back for Game 4.
It's a familiar affair inside SAP Center tonight, with Jim and "Spud" Welinski taking in the game. Jim is Andy Welinski's uncle, and Spud is Andy's 90-year-old grandpa. This was a "bucket list trip" for the two of them, says Jim. A road trip that was supposed to be four days long has now turned into a two-week journey. It began in Arizona with the regular-season finale and continued in Anaheim with Games 1 and 2. Jim says he bought a car in Southern California while they were down there and plans on driving it back to Minnesota with Spud.
Aaron and Jamie Malicki (back row, second and third from the left) are diehard Ducks fans currently living in Concord, approximately an hour's drive from SAP Center. Jamie is a Georgia native, but converted to the Ducks three years ago.
Matthew Kopstein (right) and Nick Lindsayare diehard Ducks fans from Anaheim. They made the drive from Orange County beginning at approximately eight o'clock this morning. With school and work obligations, they will make the drive back to Anaheim tomorrow morning.
Keith (right) and Kody Karetaare in town, fresh off a flight from Orange County. This father-son duo proudly showcased their Ducks colors. Said they met Adam Henrique's mom on the flight to San Jose.
