Southern California is definitely a proud place to be for the Los Angeles and Anaheim sports fans. But what most of the Middle Eastern-American community hasn't seen is the success of our hockey team in Orange County .

The NBA is exciting. Especially since the Lakers are in the playoffs again. But what we don't seem to be talking about is how a 10-year old hockey team, named after a Disney movie, has pulled off a playoff upset by beating the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings, and the top team in theWestern Conference, the Dallas Stars.

The Mighty Ducks have created so much hype and attention with their success in beating many of the top teams in the league. Just like their neighbors across the freeway, the World Champion Anaheim Angels baseball team, fans of Southern California now has high hopes for the Ducks to bring home a title. For that, the Ducks have rose to the challenge of winning the Stanley Cup for the very first time.

The Ducks were once the laughing-stock in the N.H.L., and ridiculed for their front-office follies, but are now one of the last four teams remaining in the playoffs.

Us, being the Middle Eastern-American community, should recognize the successes. Especially for those who are sports fans in California! Try going to the Arrowhead Pond and just check out what a full house it is, with the swirling white hankies and fans quacking away while the Ducks are winning.

Anaheim is definitely a powerhouse when it comes to sports. The Anaheim Angels are a proud example of how a baseball team comes from behind, then beats the top teams like the N.Y. Yankees, the Minnesota Twins, and the San Francisco Giants.

There's no need to discriminate what sports to watch on television, but make sure to give credit where credit is due.
Go Lakers and Ducks!