D2: The Mighty Ducks is the second film in The Mighty Ducks trilogy and the first theatrical sequel to The Mighty Ducks, produced by Avnet-Kerner Productions and Walt Disney Pictures, distributed by Buena Vista Distribution, and originally released to movie theatres on March 25, 1994. Inspired by his own players, Bombay decides to try out in the minor leagues. After a career-ending knee injury, he is offered a chance to coach a team representing the United States in the Junior Goodwill Games. For this, he reunites his Ducks and introduces them to five new players from across the country (Luis Mendoza, from Miami, Florida; Dwayne Robertson, from Austin, Texas; Julie Gaffney, from Bangor, Maine; Ken Wu, from San Francisco, California; and Dean Portman, from Chicago, Illinois) to form Team USA, which were later the USA Mighty Ducks. Upon learning that their team uniforms would have to be altered to accommodate their sponsors, Charlie Conway protests, but Coach Bombay assures him that "it's just business". The real message was to accept change, which in this case was necessary because they were playing for and representing the United States of America. However, the lure of celebrity becomes a distraction to both Bombay and the players, and reality kicks in when they suffer an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Team Iceland, coached by a disgraced ex-NHL player named Wolf "The Dentist" Stansson, known for his infamous reputation of smashing teeth out of mouths--including that of his coach--which led to his banishment from the NHL and deportation, who crashes a press conference with Bombay and the team to taunt them with a vow of their defeat (Stansson taunts Bombay even further by saying their "triumph [will be] enjoyable"). Frustrated, Bombay drives his players even harder, yet Team USA continues to suffer, completely exhausted. Eventually, the official team tutor cancels their practice and confronts Bombay, while the kids come across a street hockey team who teaches them how to play like "the real Team USA." (Here, a new player emerges in Russ Tyler (Kenan Thompson), who earlier mocked Team USA during its matches). Before a game, Adam Banks is injured, and is subsequently replaced by Russ Tyler. After a change in attitude, Bombay realizes that the most important thing is to have fun, and the Ducks redeem themselves by working up the playoffs ladder to once again meet Team Iceland in the finals. Before the game, Adam returns to Team USA's locker room, only to find out that they already have a full roster, because of this, Charlie Conway gives up his spot on the roster so Adam can play, at the same time, his coaching and leadership skills emerge. This time Team USA proves to be a match for Iceland, but the game ends in a tie, resulting in a shootout, which the Ducks win. This turns out to be a vindication for the ignored character of the Cat, because while she was a far more capable goalie than Goldburg, she was brought in only once for all of five seconds until she is chosen to defend the goal in the final shootout. Departures: Mighty Duck players that were in the first film, but did not return for this one are: Tommy Duncan Tammy Duncan (her ice skating skills were replaced with those of Kenny Wu) Terry Hall Dave Karp Peter Mark |