Spirit of the Ducks

"**Spirit of the Ducks**" is the sixth episode of the Disney Original, *The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers*, and the sixth episode of the series overall. It was released on Disney+ on April 30, 2021.

## Plot

Having carried his team to victory previously, Coach T invites Evan to the Ducks training ground and offers him his position on the team back, citing that with Sofi's departure and other sicknesses, he has an opening on the team. Evan remarks that he is with the Don't Bothers now, but Coach T laughs at his sentiments, remarking that the Ducks would get him a full scholarship which is more than can be said for the Don't Bothers.

Gordon is furious when the window of his truck is smashed by construction workers whilst stopped at a red light. When he exits his truck to confront the man, it is revealed to be Fulton Reed, one of his hockey players from his time as the coach of the Mighty Ducks. Fulton asks if Coach Bombay is attending the reunion, but Gordon is confused at the sentiment and remarks that he didn't know about it. Gordon remarks that he has numerous piles of letters he hasn't opened but will look out for the invitation when he returns home.

At the Ice Palace, Evan arrives and asks why the team aren't dressed for practice, citing that they will need to get into shape if they are going to qualify for the state tournament. The remark receives a mixed reaction from the Don't Bothers, with the majority of them laughing at Evan. Meanwhile in his office, Gordon and Alex look through years of unopened mail for the invitation to the reunion.

At work, Alex talks with Stephanie about Bombay's invitation to the reunion being missing. Stephanie tries to spin the ordeal by remarking that they did not know his address, but then admits that they didn't invite Bombay on purpose. Despite Alex trying to get Gordon invited, Stephanie changes the subject and informs Alex of a missing shipment of 327 pairs of matching joggers and hoodies, asking if she can find them before the reunion. It becomes clear that Stephanie is angry at Alex for beating her at the slapshot challenge and is working her harder to compensate.

After meeting up with Fulton that morning, Gordon meets with the team he once coached and they enjoy pizza. Each tells stories of what they've achieved and gotten up to since leaving the Ducks, but things become awkward when Gordon is asked about what he has been up to and why he will not be attending the gala. Gordon senses the awkwardness in the room and makes up an excuse to leave in a hurry, but it is clear that the team knows something is amiss and are concerned at his behavior.

After being invited back to the Ducks, Evan goes along for a trial run at the Ducks practice and shows the team some of his new moves learned from none other than Gordon Bombay. Evan is torn between his offer to play with the Ducks and his loyalties to the Don't Bothers, however, and asks his mother for advice. Alex tells him that he must make his own decision on the matter, given the fact that he is growing up and will need to start to make decisions for himself.

Despite the convincing offer, Evan turns down Coach T's offer to rejoin the Ducks. Evan reveals this at the Ducks reunion gala, but bumps into the original members of the Ducks in the process. Evan explains the truth behind Gordon and his absence from the gala, which leads to the Ducks leaving the gala and rushing to the Ice Palace where they show just how much Gordon means to them.

Returning to the gala with Gordon, they take control of the gala and explain the reality of what the Ducks would've been without Coach Bombay; nothing. They head back to the Ice Palace where they play a game against the Don't Bothers, but the team feel betrayed when they find evidence that Evan has been practicing with the Ducks once again.

## Cast

### Main Cast

* Lauren Graham as Alex Morrow
* Brady Noon as Evan Morrow
* Maxwell Simkins as Nick Ganz
* Swayam Bhatia as Sofi Hanson-Bhatt
* Julee Cerda as Stephanie
* Luke Islam as Jaden Koobler
* Bella Higginbotham as Lauren Gibby
* Taegen Burns as Maya Kasper
* Kiefer O'Reilly as Logan LaRue
* De'Jon Watts as Sam
* Forrest Rozitis as Tibor Capek
* Zenon Brown as Havel Capek
* Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay

### Special Guest Stars

* Elden Henson as Fulton Reed
* Matt Doherty as Lester Averman
* Vincent LaRusso as Adam Banks
* Garette Ratliff Henson as Guy Germaine
* Marguerite Moreau as Connie Moreau
* Justin Wong as Ken Wu

## Trivia

* There seem to be some structural issues with the Ice Palace that Gordon has been ignoring for years.
* Evan practices with the Ducks once again, considering their offer to rejoin the team.