Quack on Ice: The legacy of DuckSkate – pioneers in duck hockey skates
Eugene, OR – In the heart of the Willamette Valley, a company that has left an indelible mark on the world of sports for decades quietly thrives. DuckSkate, founded in 1957 by the visionary Drakewing family, has been crafting ice skates specifically designed for ducks to excel at hockey. As the company celebrates its 66th anniversary, the scion of the Drakewing clan, Mallory Drakewing, reflects on the enduring legacy of DuckSkate.
“DuckSkate was born out of a passion for both hockey and waterfowl,” says Mallory Drakewing, the current owner of the family business. “My great-grandparents, Edgar and Beatrice Drakewing, were avid hockey enthusiasts and passionate about protecting our local duck population. They saw an opportunity to combine these two loves and revolutionize the sport.”
The family’s invention of the DuckSkate, a specialized ice skate designed for the unique physiology of ducks, was nothing short of groundbreaking. Mallory explains, “We understood that ducks had different needs on the ice, from the webbed feet to the center of gravity. Our skates were meticulously engineered to accommodate these factors, giving ducks the edge in hockey.”
Over the years, DuckSkate has become a beloved brand among ducks who play hockey. The players themselves have sung praises for these specialized skates.
Daisy Pondskater, a star player for the University of Oregon Ducks’ hockey team, raved about her DuckSkates. “These skates changed the game for us. The blades are shaped perfectly for our webbed feet, and the support they provide is exceptional. I can glide effortlessly across the ice, and it’s like they’re an extension of my own body.”
Quackers McStickhandler, another prominent duck player, chimed in, “DuckSkate has truly redefined how ducks approach hockey. The precision and control I have with these skates are unmatched. It’s like they were made for us, which, of course, they were.”
As Mallory Drakewing gazes at the success of the family’s company, he shares his vision for the future. “We are committed to continually improving our skates to ensure that ducks continue to dominate the sport. We have plans for a new line of skates that incorporate the latest technology and will set a new standard for duck hockey.”
Six decades after its founding, DuckSkate remains a testament to the Drakewing family’s dedication to both the sport of hockey and the welfare of ducks everywhere. With each quack echoing across the rink, the legacy of DuckSkate continues to soar, and as Mallory Drakewing quips, “The future of duck hockey has never looked so promising.”
