Ducks' "Science of Hockey" a Permanent Exhibit at Important
SoCal Institution
Largest interactive and educational exhibit in the US

by Karen Francis
Hockeytalk.biz

MARCH 27, 2009 -- SANTA ANA, CA -- At the brand new Science of Hockey exhibit at the Discovery Science Center, the ice isn’t the only thing that is cool. Not only will the exhibit teach physics and physiology, but it will also do so using the game of hockey. The 3,000 square foot permanent exhibit housed on the second floor is the largest interactive and educational exhibit in the United States. Judging from the local fourth grade kids from Hoover Elementary School who were invited to be the first to try it out, it’s a success.

Duck Ryan Getzlaf tests his shot at the "Science of Hockey," a permanent exhibit at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, CA. (Photo courtesy Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club)

Henry and Susan Samueli, owners of the Anaheim Ducks for the past four years, have been committed to growing the game of hockey in the region. The $2.5 million exhibit was primarily funded with $2 million from the Samueli Foundation and the Anaheim Ducks Foundation. The exhibit is yet another example of their commitment to the game and the community, a commitment that trickles down to the players.

“It’s something that our ownership and everybody’s taken great pride in,” said forward Ryan Getzlaf, who was one of three Anaheim Ducks players on hand for the exhibit preview held Thursday March 26. “We represent our ownership the best way we can and that’s doing stuff like this and growing the game out here. Our fans, the kids, have all responded.”

Also on hand for the preview were Getzlaf’s linemate, Corey Perry and goaltender, Jean-Sebastien Giguere. The players were involved in the design of several attractions and were having as much fun as the kids testing them out. Giguere tested his reaction times to light, sound and vibration, all senses he has to use when in net. Getzlaf was enjoying the You Be the Shooter booth, where he could find out what the speed of his shot was while trying to get the puck past the virtual goaltender. He and Perry also tried out the You Be the Goalie exhibit.

Duck mascot Wild Wing learns what hockey equipment weighs during game action (Photo: Hockeytalk)

“This stuff doesn’t seem that hard,” said Getzlaf after stopping a few flying pucks. “I don’t know what Jiggy makes such a big deal about it for. It’s fun!”

Other exhibits include the Broadcast Booth, which gives visitors an opportunity to be a play-by-play announcer while understanding Newton’s Third Law of Motion. In order to get out of the Penalty Box, math skills are needed to answer questions based on hockey situations. The Skater Challenge gives guests the chance to skate like Getzlaf in a fastest skater competition.

There is a full size Zamboni to sit in and investigate. Other exhibits offer a glimpse of what the game of hockey sounds like up close and personal on the ice while learning about amplitude, pitch and tambor. Visitors can create a virtual uniform and use their face on the player. The Coaches’ Corner in the Locker Room shows what it takes to eat, move and think like a Duck. Finally, there is a memorabilia and history section for the Ducks and the 2007 Stanley Cup winning squad.

The idea for the exhibit was first conceived nearly two years ago. After the Discovery Science Center had the initial concept, the next step was designing exhibits that meet various requirements of the California State Standards for math and science.

“We have partnered with a world champion on this exhibit,” said Joe Adams, president of Discovery Science Center. “This is an exciting time for the Center, and for the students, teachers and parents of Southern California as we open a permanent exhibition highlighting science using the excitement of ice hockey.”

Construction began last October and the exhibit officially opens to the public on April 2. The best part of the exhibit is that it introduces hockey to a whole group of people who might otherwise not be exposed to the sport.

“Getting the kids interested in this game, it’s a great thing,” observed Giguere. “They’re all pretty happy. They’re pretty curious about the game. I think a lot of them don’t know what it is to be a hockey player. They’re excited and going to have a blast when they come here.”

Top

2011 Western Hockey Network