Joshua Conger will take his place with the Anaheim Ducks for Sunday’s home opener after being selected as the club’s 11th 21st Duck honoree of the season.
The 16-year-old from Southern California, who lives with epilepsy, neurological pain syndrome and autism, will join the Ducks on the Honda Center ice before their matchup with the Florida Panthers. Conger’s selection recognizes the work he has done to support children and families facing medical challenges.
From a holiday toy drive to a growing nonprofit
- In 2019, when he was 9, Conger was encouraged by Shana, a Child Life Specialist whose small toy gifts brought comfort during his treatment experiences.
- Conger asked his mother whether social media could be used to collect donations for other pediatric patients.
- That first holiday effort resulted in more than 1,800 toys being delivered to children receiving care.
- Conger and his family later established Joshua’s Joyful Giving, a nonprofit that provides toys and comfort supplies to children across Southern California.
- In 2024, the organization added its Adopt a Local Family program, aimed at helping families dealing with cancer or other serious illnesses.
Over the past six years, Joshua’s Joyful Giving has handed out more than 10,000 toys, 3,000 bedside bags and 300 backpacks designed for children with autism.
Ducks make the surprise announcement
The Ducks brought Conger and his family to a recent practice, where head coach Joel Quenneville presented him with a personalized Ducks sweater and told him he had been chosen as the team’s 21st Duck.
“Really? That’s cool!” Conger said when he learned of the honor.
Players also contributed toys for Joshua’s Joyful Giving, adding to the supplies the charity will distribute to local children.
“Seeing how the players and the organization have come together for him has been incredibly meaningful for Joshua and our entire family,” Conger’s mother, Michelle Scalise, said. “Being named the 21st Duck is such a tremendous honor.”
Next puck drop
Conger is scheduled to be on the ice with Anaheim for the Ducks’ Sunday home opener against Florida at Honda Center.
