While the young Dells Ducks endured a steep learning curve in its opening pair of home games this past weekend, Ducks fans celebrated seeing some old familiar faces, musical entertainment and even a marriage proposal.

Many fans in attendance Friday and Saturday came to revisit old times with nine seasons worth of alumni players including most of the fan favorites from the past decade who played in a pair of fun but up-tempo scrimmages on both Friday and Saturday.

Among those that stood out in the alumni matches, original team member Kristian Casella turned in goals in both contests, wrapping up a trio in the Saturday contest; Ian Wood and Layne Martin who combined on a number of beauties on the weekend and Brett Johnson who, like Wood played professionally this past season. Anthony Rohde, current Assistant Coach of the Ducks showed his speed and ability to find room on the ice. Kevin Salinas, Adam Stanton and Johnny Recek played Saturday only with the ‘White’ squad and all three counted goals.

Including in Saturday’s Game were:

Team White – Brian Holappa (2011-12 Ducks); Tyler Jacobson (2012-13); Chuck Marcoe (2012-13); Kristian Casella (2011-12); John Recek (2011-12); Kevin Salinas (2012-13); Brett Johnson (2012-13, 2013-14); Cory Schwarz (2016-17); Anthony Rohde (2011-12); Alex Gunnar (2011-12); Adam Stanton (2014-15) and Goaltender Jared Young (2014-15, 2015-16).

Team Black – Connell Totten (2012-13); Johnny Schwarz (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14); Colin Cross (2013-14, 2014-15); Jake (‘Dale’) Stima (2012-13; 2013-14); Joey Bower (2012-13, 2013-14); Layne Martin (2012-13, 1013-14); Brady Hefner (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15); Danny Roe (2013-14); Bradley Hefner (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15) and Ian Wood (2013-14, 2014-15). The goaltending duties were shared by Robbie Meadows (2012-13, 2013-14) and Trace Wiles, a before/after player with the current Ducks who will play for RWD this winter. Also, guest player Tim Sanapolo who the Ducks ran into a few times at USA Hockey Nationals when he played for the North Iowa Bulls.

On Friday, the players showed their compete level was still high, refusing to accept a tie at the end and instead engaging in three-on-three overtime and a shootout before declaring a winner.

Honorary Coaches for Friday’s game were Ducks’ superfans Bill Pettit and Chris Pelisek. On Saturday the Morris brothers, Kaden and Kamron took a spot behind the bench.

Colin Cross, now a recording artist in Nashville entertained his teammates and Ducks fans at a well-attended get together at Bobber’s Island Grill, a sponsor for both the Lake Delton Ice Arena and the Dells Ducks.

On Saturday night, representatives from the Morris family from Bobber’s (Max Morris, JT Morris and Jeff Morris) dropped a ceremonial opening faceoff at the Lake Delton Ice Arena and with the crowd still buzzing with the Ducks up 1-0 on a tough Chicago Cougars team, John Recek capped a perfect weekend as a fake shootout competition was set up, giving him a chance to propose to his girlfriend at center ice.

Of course, she said Yes!