Ep 1. The First Face-Off (1)

In the first episode of Mighty Ducks, titled "The First Face-Off," we are introduced to our protagonist Evan, an aspiring hockey player who dreams of making it big like his idol, the legendary Gordon Bombay. However, Evan struggles to keep up with his more talented peers, and is often left on the bench during games.

Meanwhile, we learn about the state of youth hockey in Minneapolis, which has become more elitist and expensive, discouraging many kids from playing. This is exacerbated by the ultra-competitive Ducks, a team of well-funded and skilled players who prioritize winning above all else.

Evan's luck changes when he meets Alex, a skilled figure skater who is new to town and looking for a way to stay active. Alex introduces Evan to her group of misfit friends, who also love hockey but don't fit in with the Ducks. Together, they form their own team, the Don't Bothers, with Evan as their captain.

Although the Don't Bothers start off rough, with a crushing defeat in their first game, they begin to gain momentum as a team. Along the way, they encounter the Ducks, who are not pleased to have competition in their league. The episode culminates in a showdown between the Don't Bothers and the Ducks, with Evan and his team giving it their all to prove they're not just a bunch of misfits.

Overall, "The First Face-Off" sets up the themes that will drive the rest of the series: the importance of underdog stories, the value of community and friendship, and the ways in which sports can both bring people together and tear them apart. It's a heartwarming and engaging start to a show that is sure to appeal to both hockey fans and viewers of all ages.