Ducks eager to have fans back at Honda Center

ANAHEIM » The Ducks’ game Sunday afternoon against the Colorado Avalanche was set to be their last without fans in attendance at Honda Center. If all goes as planned, California will lift restrictions on indoor spectators Thursday, just in time for the Ducks’ game Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Attendance will be limited to less than 2,000 at the 17,174-seat arena. The cheers and boos of the fans will be music to the ears of the Ducks, who last played in front of a home crowd March 11, 2020, the day before the NHL shut down operations because of the pandemic.

“Fans bring energy,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “They bring this wave of emotion throughout games. They’ve been greatly missed in all the buildings, but especially ours. I’m sure our guys are thinking about it. I’ve heard them talking about it.

“Our veterans guys have been greatly affected by it. It’s a real, real different feel for them to be out there in an empty building. It’s going to be awesome to have our fans back, so they can get back in there and bring the energy we need.”

As of Sunday, the Ducks had yet to announce seating capacity and COVID-19 protocol for their final five home games. They’re expected to do so soon. After returning from a two-game trip to play the Sharks in San Jose, the Ducks play host to the Golden Knights on Friday and Saturday.

Season ticket holders will be given priority in purchasing tickets, the Ducks said.