On a bright summer July day, the young ladies of Orange County crowded into Anaheim Ice, but they weren't looking for a nice place to escape the heat.
In fact, they were putting themselves on the proverbial "hot seat" for a chance to become a 2012-13 Power Player.
For the past several years, the Power Players have been the spirit and promotional team for the Anaheim Ducks. They have grown in scope and size since their inaugural season.
"We're developing the program to be its own entity," said the Director of Production of Entertainment Rich Cooley. "They have their own logo now. They have their own facebook page. They have their own following. They are becoming their own department so to speak."
Former Power Player Allison Cooper has personally witnessed this growth from the inside. She was on the squad from 2005 to 2010. In between witnessing the Stanley Cup championship and making life-long friendships, she saw the Power Players become an important part of the Ducks organization over the years.
"They are getting out there in the community a lot more and I think that's great. They are doing a lot more charity work," said Cooper. "It is something we've always done, but it's something that I am really happy to see continuing to grow."
And now she is back, hoping to help the program's success and notoriety increase.
Both Cooper and Cooley spent Saturday judging the hopefuls, all decked out in yoga pants and athletic gear despite the freezing temperatures on the ice. So what were they looking for?
Personality.
They'll take a shining star that has a little trouble skating over a speed demon with a scowl on her face.
Eventually, the goal is be a whiz on the ice. Like most NHL spirit organizations, the Power Players can be seen cleaning the ice during commercial breaks.
"We have a job to do. And if we don't get it done per NHL regulations then we get fined," explained current Power Player Jamie.
The job was worth enough to bring Jamie back to audition for her second year on the squad. She is still nervous, but with a bit of experience underneath her belt, she still has a bit of advice for all her potential new team mates.
"Bring it today. Have fun. Don't stress out."
