Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks 25th Anniversary: The Evolution of Paul Kariya

By Ciara Durant

12 Dec 1997: Portrait of the back of Paul Kariya #9 of the Mighty Ducks during the Ducks 6-4 win over the Washington Capitals at The Pond in Anaheim, California.
12 Dec 1997: Portrait of the back of Paul Kariya #9 of the Mighty Ducks during the Ducks 6-4 win over the Washington Capitals at The Pond in Anaheim, California. /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 7: Paul Kariya #9 of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks looks on during Game Six of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals against the New Jersey Devils at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim on June 7, 2003, in Anaheim, California. The Ducks won 5-2. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images/NHLI)
ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 7: Paul Kariya #9 of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks looks on during Game Six of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals against the New Jersey Devils at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim on June 7, 2003, in Anaheim, California. The Ducks won 5-2. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images/NHLI) /

Twenty-five years ago, Pierre Gauthier took his spot at the podium to announce the Mighty Ducks first pick in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. Without hesitation, he proclaimed to the NHL world that the Anaheim Ducks first draft pick in franchise history would be none other than Paul Kariya.

The Anaheim Ducks have a long list of prospects they should be proud of. A list that is twenty-five years long to be exact. However, sitting at the very top is the player who helped shape the Mighty Ducks franchise. The number he bore during his nine seasons as a Mighty Duck will soon be memorialized for all to see.

On October 21, 2018, Paul Kariya‘s jersey will be lifted to the rafter of Honda Center to hang beside his teammate, and longtime friend, Teemu Selanne. Teemu’s jersey was justifiably hung first, but it makes sense that Paul Kariya’s number 9 will be the next to join him.

Paul Kariya’s resume in Anaheim is one to be admired. During his nine seasons, he was responsible for 300 goals and 369 assists, for a grand total of 669 points, in 606 games. He is currently the franchise leader in points-per-game at 1.10.

During his tenure with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, he had many personal achievements, including the many accolades he had the honor of receiving. Kariya is a two time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Recipient, awarded to him in 1995-96 and 1996-97. He is an Olympic gold (2002) and silver (1994) medalist as well as a World Championship gold (1994) and silver (1996) medalist.

Although Paul Kariya never had the opportunity to raise the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks, or any team for that matter, his contribution to the team will not be forgotten anytime soon. He is one of the cornerstones on which the Anaheim Ducks have built their success. He is more than just a first-round draft pick. He was the beginning of a dynasty.

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