Story Summary
Joshua Conger, a 16-year-old who founded the nonprofit Joshua’s Joyful Giving with his family, has been named the Anaheim Ducks‘ 11th 21st Duck honouree. Conger, who has battled epilepsy, neurological pain syndrome and autism, will join the Ducks on the ice for their home opener against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center on Sunday.
The honour was revealed when Conger and his family attended a recent Ducks practice. Head coach Joel Quenneville surprised him with a custom Ducks jersey, while players donated toys for Conger’s charity.
Key Facts
- Joshua Conger, 16, has been named this season’s 21st Duck and is the programme’s 11th honouree.
- Conger and his family started Joshua’s Joyful Giving after he sought donations for paediatric patients in 2019.
- During its first holiday season, Conger helped deliver more than 1,800 toys to young patients.
- Joshua’s Joyful Giving has distributed more than 10,000 toys, 3,000 bedside bags and 300 autism backpacks over the past six years.
- The charity introduced its Adopt a Local Family initiative in 2024 to support families facing cancer or other serious medical conditions.
- Conger will skate out with the Ducks at Sunday’s home opener against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center.
IHM Discussion
The 21st Duck programme gives the club a way to place a community figure at the centre of a game-day moment. In Conger’s case, the recognition reflects a sustained charitable effort rather than a one-off gesture. His work grew from an early experience as a patient into an organisation providing toys and comfort items to children and families across Southern California.
The practice visit also connected that work directly with the dressing room. The players’ toy donation gives Joshua’s Joyful Giving practical support, while the on-ice appearance will bring Conger’s story into the home-opener setting.
Why It Matters
Conger’s honour highlights the impact that can extend beyond hockey through an NHL club’s community platform. It also provides visibility for Joshua’s Joyful Giving and its work with young patients, children with autism and families dealing with serious medical conditions.
Fan Pulse
For Ducks supporters, the home opener will include a community-focused moment alongside the start of the new home schedule. Conger’s appearance recognises work that has already delivered tangible help to families in the region.
Mini Q&A
Who is Anaheim’s 21st Duck this season?
Joshua Conger, a 16-year-old founder of the nonprofit Joshua’s Joyful Giving, is this season’s 21st Duck honouree.
What has Joshua’s Joyful Giving provided?
The nonprofit has distributed more than 10,000 toys, 3,000 bedside bags and 300 autism backpacks in the past six years.
When will Joshua Conger appear with the Ducks?
He will join the team on the ice for Sunday’s home opener against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center.
Coach Mark Comment
The strongest part of this recognition is that it gives Conger’s charitable work a prominent arena moment while keeping the focus on the children and families it serves. The players’ donation is a fitting team response because it supports the practical purpose behind Joshua’s Joyful Giving.
What Comes Next
Conger is scheduled to join the Ducks on the ice at Honda Center when Anaheim hosts the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
IHM Final View
Joshua Conger’s selection as the 21st Duck honours both his resilience and the lasting community work built by his family. His home-opener appearance will put Joshua’s Joyful Giving in front of the Ducks crowd while recognising the children and families the charity supports.