9 – Paul Kariya (1994-2003)
During the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, the Anaheim Ducks announced that they had selected Vancouver, British Columbia native, Paul Kariya, as their first draft pick in franchise history. Kariya made his NHL debut one season later with the Mighty Ducks in 1994-95. He was the first Duck to ever don the number nine on his sweater. It seems only fitting that he takes the title as the Ducks best player in franchise history to wear the number nine.
Paul Kariya quickly made his mark on the Ducks roster as a leading point producer. Kariya was one of the Mighty Ducks greatest instruments on the ice for many years. He acquired a total of 669 points over the 606 games he played during his nine seasons with Anaheim. Alongside teammate Teemu Selanne, the pair was a force to be reckoned with.
After the 1995-96 season, when captain Randy Ladouceur announced his retirement, Paul Kariya was the obvious choice to fill the vacant captaincy. His impressive 108 points (50g, 58a) during his sophomore season proved that he was a productive component for the Mighty Ducks out on the ice.
His service as an alternate captain alongside Ladoucer in 1995-96 also gave him the upper hand. Kariya had hands-on experience with what is needed to lead a team on the ice and, most importantly, off the ice. He served as the Mighty Ducks on ice leader for seven seasons. This is the second longest occupancy of a Ducks captain, behind Ryan Getzlaf.
Another one of Kariya’s notable achievements in his early years with the Ducks was being awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for two consecutive seasons, 1995-96 and 1996-97. The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy was awarded to him because as the NHL player who best exemplified the qualities of a “player adjusted to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”
The End of the Kariya Dynasty
As hard as he tried, Paul Kariya never had the opportunity to taste the victory that is associated with winning the Stanley Cup. However, he came so close during the 2002-03 season. During that season, Kariya led Anaheim in points, with 81 total. His contributions to the team resulted in the Ducks finishing second in the Pacific Division and advancing to the playoffs.
It was during this cup run, in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals against New Jersey, that Kariya’s infamous “off the floor, on the board” incident took place. After taking an awful hit from New Jersey defenseman Scott Stevens, Kariya lay motionless on the ice for several seconds.
It was a moment of sheer terror for many. However, it quickly turned into monumental victory. After being cleared to return to the game, the great number nine came back and scored a goal. His goal put the Ducks up 4-1 and sent the series to Game 7. Regrettably, the Ducks would lose and Paul Kariya, unbeknownst to everyone, would suit up in his last game as a Ducks player.
Although there are a lot of mixed emotions directed at Kariya due to his impromptu singing with the Colorado Avalanche after the 2003 cup run, we must not forget everything he did that would serve to positively impact the franchise.
Paul Kariya was recognized for all of his achievements and inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017. His contributions as a Duck are soon to be remembered throughout the ages as well. Kariya’s jersey is set to be the second to hang in the rafters, alongside Teemu Selanne, when the Anaheim Ducks retire number nine on October 21, 2018.