Walt Disney Co. Chairman Michael Eisner, who first floated the name when Disney's intentions were announced Dec. 11, has been adamant in defending his plan to adopt the name of Disney's hit movie that starred Emilio Estevez as coach of a youth hockey team. Despite a lukewarm reception, Eisner said last week that the Mighty Ducks is the "front-runner" and there is no second choice.

During the annual meeting, Walt Disney Co. President Frank Wells said that Eisner would make no further comment on hockey teams or names. As Wells spoke, the name "Mighty Ducks" flashed on the movie-sized screen behind him and Eisner, who were both addressing the audience.

Already, Disney has its imprint on another sports team that bears the duck name. The University of Oregon football and basketball teams, or the Oregon Ducks, have a mascot that looks a lot like Donald Duck. The team's colors, green and purple, are almost identical to the team in "The Mighty Ducks."