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Mike V has announced a partnership with professional (NHL) hockey team, the Anaheim Ducks. Mike and The Ducks will launch a co-branded apparel line and Vallely’s will have his own blog on the Anaheim Ducks web site. It seems that the NHL wants to tap into the growing extreme boardskating market…so says Anaheim Ducks Executive Vice President/COO Tim Ryan:
“Both skateboarding and hockey are fast-paced, athletic sports that are proving to be the activities of choice for today’s youth. Teaming with professional skateboarder Mike Vallely and his core following of sports and music enthusiasts is a demographic fit that benefits both parties and provides us a unique opportunity to extend our brand.”

With the wet winter months approaching, Freddie Gall, Tim O’Connor, Brian Wenning, Steve Durante and lesser known NJ skate heads might be hyped for the news of a new indoor skate joint set to open in their home state. Yup, Garden Sk8 Park and Division East Skate Shop 2 is ready to open a new skatepark in Pine Brook, NJ with a street course, two mini ramps connected with a spine, and a larger 11.5 foot bowl with a 7 foot shallow end capped with pool coping. The grand opening takes place this weekend on November 1st and 2nd. Get some.

What the hell? Head over to Transworld and check out 13 photos of Rob Dyrdek’s new skate compound / basketball court / modern home that is going to play host to his new Mtv show, Fantasy Factory. As cited over at TWS, no word on the show’s premiere date…but this looks beyond crazy. Who needs Big Black?

Congratulations to the skateboard world’s renowned skate photo wizard Joe Brook and his lovely new bride Kara on their recent marriage. The newlywed couple tied the knot on Saturday, October 25th amongst family and friends in Joe’s home state of Michigan.

Head over to SLAP and check out an interview with Girl / Art Dump mastermind Andy Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins discusses board graphics, publishing, The Knife Song, Team Lakai Moto and much more. You can also check out a fair amount of his work. And remember to check out his always updated personal site bendpress.com.
And this just in…we’re currently collaborating with Andy on a project that will launch later this week. Keep your eyes open and check SKATEDAILY.net often.

Stoked Mentoring, the action sports non-profit organization, hosts its 2nd annual Stoked Awards presented by Toyota Matrix at Red Bull Space in New York City on November 12th presenting the Stoked Achievement Award to Tony Hawk, who will be in attendance for the event. This spectacular evening celebrates the individuals who embody Stoked’s Mission to “Develop Successful Teens through Opportunity Knowledge Experience and Determination”.
From the press release:
Skateboard legend Tony Hawk says, “I’m happy and excited to be given the Stoked Achievement Award. The work of the Tony Hawk Foundation, as well as the opportunities that Stoked is giving kids through action sports to make them more successful, is something that we need more of.”
For this formal event many of Stoked’s long-standing supporters come together to honor individuals whose generosity and achievements have touched the lives of so many others. This year Tony Hawk was selected for his outstanding work with the Tony Hawk Foundation. With the creation of the Tony Hawk Foundation in 2002 Hawk has been helping others experience the same excitement he did as a young skateboarder, learning to skate and building the self-confidence that resulted in his success. The foundation was designed to promote and help finance public skate parks in low-income areas and since inception has given away over 2.3 million dollars to 390 skate park projects throughout the United States.
“The pursuit of excellence and greatness, whether it be on a skateboard or school or life, is something that we’re looking to instill in our youth. We’re thrilled and honored that Tony will share his achievements and life lessons at the Stoked Awards on Nov 12th,” says Stoked Mentoring co-founder Steve Larosiliere.

The last stop of 2008’s Damn Am series is a wrap. Next stop, Tampa Am in December. Check in with the SPoTLight crew for a recap of the weekend’s action with photos in the coming days.
Final Results
1. David Loy
2. Cody Davis
3. Felipe Gustavo
4. Timmy Knuth
5. Kechaud Johnson
6. Louie Lopez
7. Shawn Hale
8. Rob Maatman
9. Kyle Walker
10. Tommy Fynn
11. Will Marshall
12. Donovan Piscopo
Best Trick
Daniel Espinoza – Front blunt kickflip fakie on the rail

We throwing our support to this new series of Santa Cruz Veterans boards featuring the artwork of the one and only Robert Williams. Take a look and then pick one up (or all four) at your local shop. In the pool or on your wall…support the arts.