Dostal surprises young fan with news of being selected as 21st Duck

For Emma Melin, an ordinary hockey practice with the Anaheim Ducks’ “Learn Her Way” program recently turned into one that she will remember forever.

With some help from Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal, the nine-year-old fan learned she will be this season’s 21st Duck. Each year, the team creates a spot on it’s Opening Night roster for a fan who “embodies characteristics such as great perseverance, character, courage, inspiration.”

Dostal arrived at Melin’s practice with a customized jersey to commemorate the moment. The jersey featured her last name with the No. 21.

“I’ve been honored to ask you if you would like to be our 21st Duck this season,” Dostal said to Melin in a video posted to social media by the team.

“It’s a big honor,” Dostal said in the video. “For us as an organization it means a lot.”

Melin has been dealing with the effects of life-threatening food allergies her entire life, including multiple trips to the ER, and still needs medical treatment routinely for the condition. When she was six, Melin began helping others who had similar conditions as her own, hosting annual food allergy meet-up events and serving as an ambassador for multiple non-profit organizations.

After receiving the news that she would be this year’s 21st Duck, Melin attended a Ducks practice (wearing her new jersey of course) and got a chance to skate with her new teammates.

“When I met the team, I was speechless,” Melin said. “It was so fun.”

Melin will be honored before Wednesday’s home opener at Honda Center.