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Ducks’ Getzlaf: ‘I felt I needed to skate’

Ryan Getzlaf

Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf says he was worried about too much time off over the Christmas break, which is why he organized an informal skate for his teammates.

“I looked at the schedule. I have enough trouble when I have two days off, let alone three or four,” Getzlaf said per the L.A. Times. “I can’t be off the ice that long and expect my body to react without getting injured or in trouble. Plus, with my kids, it was a nice thing to do.”

The skate took place during the CBA-mandated three-day break in the schedule over Christmas, which is why the league is now looking into the Ducks’ practice.

“He [Getzlaf] said that’s what he wanted to do, and I said, ‘OK, fine,’” Boudreau said. “To this day, I don’t know what time they skated, don’t know how many guys were there. I’m glad they did, but it was all Ryan’s idea.”

Anaheim was given Dec. 23 off following a 3-2 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks. The Day off coupled with the NHL break (Dec. 24-26) gave the Ducks four days off.

“It was an opportunity for guys to bring their kids out during the holidays. When I was a kid, I skated every Christmas. It was a great opportunity. A lot of those guys brought their kids out and had a skate.

“We’re supposed to be prepared to play every night. I felt that gave me the best chance to be prepared, and my teammates the opportunity to do the same if they needed it.”

Anaheim resumes its’ two-game home stand Wednesday against the Sharks.

Related: NHL investigating Ducks over practice held during holidays

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