ANAHEIM — Dealt a tough genetic hand with epilepsy, autism and neurological pain syndrome, it would have been perfectly understandable if Joshua Conger focused on his own well-being exclusively.
But this year’s 21st Duck has found satisfaction in serving and providing solace to others through his program, Joshua’s Joyful Giving.
Based in Chino, the nonprofit organization provides toys, stuffed animals, blankets, sensory-friendly backpacks and more to children facing challenges from pediatric cancer to natural disasters.
Conger was first prompted to action at age 9, when his child life specialist Shana Roenicke, who had a surprise for him at the end of each doctor’s visit, was staring at a bare cupboard of toys. Initially forgoing his own treat so others could have one, he began conjuring up ways to collect toys from donors in the community.
“Delivering the toys is a lot of fun, especially seeing the kids’ faces light up when I give it to them,” Conger said.
Now 15, Conger’s efforts have grown and his initiative has distributed more than 10,000 toys. Roughly a quarter of those were delivered in 2025, when despite being bedridden for most of the year, Conger and his team were more active than ever. Not only did they serve youngsters at local hospitals, including Children’s Hospital of Orange County, but they brought mirth to many impacted by the Palisades fires.
“It was a challenging year last year, but we still got a lot of donations and we still surpassed our goal of 2,000 toys,” Conger said. “I’ve been feeling a lot better. I went to therapy and I’m getting a lot better with my pain.
Conger’s mother, Michelle Scalise, was moved by her son’s desire to help others.
“When he came to me at 9 and said the toy cupboard’s empty and I want to give toys back to the other kids, it was just such a humbling experience to have my son that was dealing with illness and so many medical issues, realize that that’s a need and that’s what he wants to do,” said Scalise, who said the experience of giving has been therapeutic for her son. “Of course we want to support him as much as we can and grow this as big as we can.”
The 21st Duck honor has already begun to bring more attention to Conger’s mission, and Conger has gotten a little more joy of his own, too.
On Sunday, he walked the orange carpet at the home opener and took in the game. His favorite player, Cutter Gauthier, signed autographs alongside him and then scored two power-play goals.
Before that, he was invited to a Ducks practice where he met the players and coaches. His roster spot came, naturally, with his own jersey, equipment and locker-room stall.
“It was really cool. I didn’t know what was really going on until I got into the locker room,” Conger said. “Right now, it’s really helping me reach out more with my toy drive, because people who follow the Ducks are seeing me now and it’s helping my toy drive get bigger.”
Minty fresh
The second-highest game score, per Hockey Stat Cards, among defensemen in the Ducks’ season opener belonged to Pavel Mintyukov. He showed signs of putting together the rangy but risky game he played in his rookie year, 2023-24, with the improved defensive presence he provided as the campaign progressed in 2025-26.
Mintyukov, a 2022 lottery pick, had a year filled with twists and turns. A series of scratches reportedly led to a trade request, but soon after Mintyukov became a more stable and consistent contributor.
Over the offseason, he navigated the Wild West that was the new economic climate of the NHL, ultimately eschewing offer sheets to sign a competitive deal with the Ducks worth $7.2 million annually for the next five seasons. Mintyukov said that across last season, more pieces clicked into place for him.
“I really understood what the coaches wanted for me, and I figured out my role more,” Mintyukov said.
New ‘D,’ new swagger
The highest game score not just of any defenseman or of any Duck but of any player in that game was Tristan Luneau. He’ll make a salary commensurate to Mintyukov’s for the next six seasons after this one, despite the home opener being just his 16th NHL game
Luneau wasn’t the only young stallion in the Ducks’ stable to impress.
They dressed four defensemen in Vegas that spent most or all of last year in the minors: Luneau, Noah Warren, Tyson Hinds and Travis Mitchell. They all returned to the ice for Sunday’s Game No. 2.
Luneau had a +3 rating in a 4-3 victory, as well as an assist. Warren was a +1 and earned the primary assist on Alex Killorn’s tally. Despite massive losses of experience, the young blue-liners showed that they might be more athletic and maybe even more effective than the outgoing veterans on the blue line.
“It’s the speed,” said 20-year-old winger Beckett Sennecke. “That’s what you get with the new ‘D’ corps, or the different ‘D’ corps. It’s a lot of speed and a lot of skill.”