Anaheim Ducks 25th Anniversary: The Evolution of Paul Kariya

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.

The 1993 NHL Entry Draft

Since its inception in 1963, the NHL Entry Draft has been the dream of many young hockey players.  Paul Kariya was no exception to this. The bright-eyed,18-year-old, Victoria, British Columbia native sat among a sea of expectant players waiting for their names to be called, hoping he would hear his own name during one of the first few selections.

Kariya was, from the get-go, considered to be one of the top five prospects of the 1993 draft. He had just finished a phenomenal 39 game, 100 point season, in his first year with the University of Maine.

The young, dynamic, offensive forward was often compared to “The Great One” himself, Wayne Gretzky. Kariya was pegged early on as one of the best playmakers of his draft year. With a high hockey IQ and explosive speed, his creativity on the ice had no parallel. He had a keen sense for the open man on the ice; his 75 assists in his first year with the Black Bears was more than enough proof.

Alexandre Daigle, Chris Pronger, and Chris Gratton were the first three players chosen. When it came time for the fourth selection to be made, the Florida Panthers, who had previously won the coin toss, elected to choose fifth in order to have the first selection in the next draft. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim would select fourth overall, and they had their eyes set on one player, Paul Kariya.

The Mighty Ducks staff took one last look at the draft roster before Pierre Gauthier took his place at the podium. Without hesitation, and a grin a mile wide, he announced that the very first draft pick of the Mighty Ducks franchise history was Paul Kariya from the University of Maine.

An ecstatic Paul Kariya made his way to the stage, clad in his striped dress shirt and polka dot tie, and was the first draft pick in franchise history to put on the nostalgic eggplant and jade Mighty Ducks home jersey. With fervency in his eyes, he smiled for his first official photo as a Mighty Duck. Unbeknownst to everyone, he would go on to inspire a nation. Ducks Nation.

Paul Kariya’s Break Out Debut as a Mighty Duck

Fresh out of the draft, Paul Kariya made the decision to return to the NCAA for one last season. However, after a twelve game stint with the University of Maine, with 24 points accredited to his name, Paul Kariya packed his bags and headed for the Canadian National Team.

After only 31 games, Kariya was second on the team in points, with 48. The young left wing scored 10 goals and 38 helpers. During their run in the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, Paul’s contributions to the team, at only 19-years-old, led them to the gold medal.

Winning the Olympic gold and standing in the international spotlight was an incredible feat for young Kariya. Nevertheless, his career was far from over. He had hoped to finish the 1993-94 season with the Ducks, but they failed to agree on the terms of his contract. Nevertheless, during the 1994-95 season, he finally made his debut with the Mighty Ducks.

Unfortunately, due to the lockout of 1994-95, the season was shortened to 48 games. After over three months of deliberation, the NHL finally came to terms and the lockout ended on January 11, 1995. Despite the blaring obstacles of a shortened season, Kariya was determined to make a name for himself at a professional level.

On January 20, 1995, Paul Kariya made his first debut with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim against the Edmonton Oilers. The game ended in a harrowing 2-1 defeat, and Kariya had no points to show for it.

Nevertheless, the 20-year-old quickly skated into the hearts of the fans. He scored his first goal the very next night against the Winnipeg Jets (and Teemu Selanne.) This set the tone for his break out season.

Playing in all but one game, Kariya led the Mighty Ducks in points, goals, and assists for the 1994-95 season. With his 18 goals and 21 helpers, for a total of 39 points, he lived up to the hype of being a first-round draft pick.

The Mighty Ducks struggled significantly in the 1994-95 season, winning only 16 of their 48 games in regulation. The 37 points they procured throughout the season, although not the worst in the league, left them ranking 24th in the NHL, just 14 points out of the last place. However, without the fresh approach that Paul Kariya brought to the team, the Mighty Ducks would have ended the season in even worse shape.

Paul Kariya’s First NHL Goal

The nerves that came with playing his first NHL game quickly dissipated. Although his NHL debut in Edmonton ended in a loss, Paul Kariya was determined to score his first goal. During their first road trip, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim made their second stop in a back to back in Winnipeg to face off against the Jets.

Rolling out one of the most powerful forward lines in the NHL with Keith Tkachuk, Teemu Selanne, and Alexei Zhamnov, the Winnipeg Jets were looking to redeem themselves from the previous season. Fresh off a 3-3 tie against the Calgary Flames the night before, they were looking for their first win of the season.

The game was relatively quiet during the opening period aside from a few penalties. The score remained at 0-0 at the end of the first. Both teams entered the second-period determined to be the first to gain the advantage and score a goal.

Early in the second period, the Winnipeg Jets put the first point on the scoreboard on a goal from Keith Tkachuk. However, the Mighty Ducks would quickly take the lead after scoring two goals within two minutes of each other.

Nevertheless, their lead did not last long. The Finnish Flash, Teemu Selanne, tied up the game just one minute after Patrik Carnback scored the Mighty Ducks second goal of the evening. The celebration of Selanne’s game tieing goal didn’t last long. Kris King of the Winnipeg Jets took a hooking penalty, sending the Mighty Ducks on a power play.

The Mighty Ducks were unable to capitalize on the power play early in the King minor. With 31 seconds left to go, a scramble in front of the crease knocked the puck loose in front of the net. Paul Kariya saw his opportunity, and he didn’t hesitate to take it. Gaining possession of the puck, he beat Tim Cheveldae and scored his first career NHL goal. Anaheim took back the lead and defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-3.

This was just the first of many Kariya goals during the 1994-95 season. Early in the season, he held the scoring lead among all NHL rookies. His lead, however, ended prematurely when Peter Forsberg surpassed him. Nevertheless, he ended his first NHL season successfully, leading the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim with 18 goals and 39 points.

1995-96 Career Season

At 21-years-old, Paul Kariya entered into his sophomore season with the Mighty Ducks. After leading the Ducks in goals, assists, and points in 1994-95, there were monumental expectations that Paul Kariya would deliver another phenomenal season. Not only did he have another extraordinary season, but he also blew his record from the previous season out of the water.

Leading the team in goals, assists, and points yet again, Paul Kariya delivered the best season of his entire NHL career. Making an appearance in all 82 regular season games, he netted 50 goals, 58 helpers, for a total of 108 points.

The Anaheim Ducks of today should be taking notes from their predecessor. Kariya was swift and electrifying out on the ice, especially on the power-play. Of his 108 points, 41 of those were on the power-play. His 20 PP goals made up 1/3 of Mighty Ducks total power-play goals for the entire season.

Steve Rucchin was second on the team in points that season. His 19 goals and 25 assists gave him a total of 44 points. This just goes to show how unbelievably talented Paul Kariya was during the 1995-96 season.

Aside from sitting comfortably at the top of the Mighty Ducks player rankings, Kariya ranked seventh in points league-wide. Only Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Joe Sakic, Ron Francis, Peter Forsberg, and Eric Lindros sat above him. All of these players, with exception of Peter Forsberg, all had at least four seasons of experience on Paul Kariya.

His performance during the season made him a shoe-in for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. Kariya was honored with this accolade due to his ability to exhibit the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with his high standard and playing ability.

He also made his first appearance at the NHL All-Stars, playing for the Western Conference. Although the Western Conference lost 4-5, this paved the way for Kariya to make four other NHL All-Star appearances in the future.

The Most Dynamic Duo in Anaheim Ducks History

The name Paul Kariya is often mentioned in tandem with the Finnish Flash himself, Teemu Selanne. The pair is one of the most iconic duos in Anaheim Ducks history. They were teammates, linemates, and most importantly, best friends.

The two played together as Mighty Ducks from 1996-2001. Teemu Selanne was acquired by Anaheim on February 7, 1996, from the Winnipeg Jets. The two found instant chemistry with linemate, and center, Steve Rucchin.

Over the six seasons they played together, the dynamic duo has a combined total of 972 points (450g, 522a.) During Paul Kariya’s first six seasons as captain, Teemu Selanne served as one of his alternate captains. He even stepped in during the 1997-98 season when Kariya spent most of the season on the sidelines.

Their chemistry on the ice is what the pair is known for. It is undeniable that these two were better together than they were apart. Nevertheless, these two led the team not only on the ice but off the ice as well.

Although the two of them have very different personalities and are often dubbed the oddest pair, they compliment each other perfectly. Both men have humble, respectful, and kind souls. They have a competitive attitude, always pushing themselves to go above and beyond for their team. However, they stop short of competing with each other. They were always a team, celebrating their victories together.

A lot of people attribute Paul Kariya’s success to Teemu Selanne. Which, in some ways, that is true. However, the same rings true for Teemu Selanne. His first stint with the Mighty Ducks was definitely enhanced by the creativity and youthful dynamics of Kariya. They were both aware of a very self-evident truth: individual success isn’t going to help your team win.

Off the Floor, on the Board!

Paul Kariya’s greatest accomplishment with the franchise came during the 2002-03 season. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim finished the season with a 40-27-9-6 record. Their success earned them the second place spot in the Pacific Division, with 95 points. The next stop was the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Their first opponents were their rivals from Detroit, the Red Wings. Kariya had been here before, being swept by the Wings in his previous two playoff appearances. However, this time, the roles were reversed and the Mighty Ducks swept Detroit in the Conference Quarter Finals.

Kariya led his team to victory twice more, defeating the Dallas Stars (4-2) in the Conference Semi-Finals and sweeping the Minnesota Wild in the Conference Finals. For the first time in franchise history, the Anaheim Ducks were on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Their last obstacle? The New Jersey Devils.

After a back and forth battle, the series was sent to Game 6 after the New Jersey Devils defeated them 6-3 in Game 5. The Ducks were headed back to the Pond. They had one last chance to tie it up and hopefully go on to win in Game 7. The dreaded Game 6 that stood before them was their last hope at finally bringing the Cup to California.

Anaheim took an early lead after two goals from Steve Rucchin and a power play goal from Steve Thomas. The Devils scored in the second period, but the Mighty Ducks held firm to their 3-1 lead. However, one of the most terrifying moments in Anaheim Ducks history happened at 13:47 of the second period.

Paul Kariya cut through the middle, right towards Scott Steven‘s side. PK9, who was looking left, never saw Steven’s coming at him on the right. Stevens, one of the most feared open ice hitters in the NHL at the time, leveled Kariya. In just seconds, one of the most dynamic skaters in the league was reduced to almost nothing.

For several seconds, Kariya lay motionless on the ice. Finally, he took a breath, fogging up his face shield. Slowly, he got up off the ice and retreated to the Anaheim locker room. When the reality that Paul Kariya’s season was likely over, fear began to settle in. However, Anaheim still had a game to win. It was time to put their heads together and pull through.

Shocking the entire NHL world, Paul Kariya emerged from the locker room just a few minutes later ready to lead his team to victory. A turnover at the Mighty Ducks blueline turned into one of the most prolific moments in franchise history. Petr Sykora passed the puck to his left as Paul Kariya picked up speed and rocketed past.

Winding up for a slapshot, Kariya let it go outside the top circle. His shot went under the far crossbar, beating the Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, lading just inside the post. After a slight moment of devastation, Paul Kariya defied all odds and gave the Ducks a three-goal lead.

Unfortunately, that was the closest he would ever come to winning the Stanley Cup. After winning in Game 6, the Devils came back and won in the Cup-deciding game. Kariya would never play with the Mighty Ducks again, and he never had the chance to win the cup with any of his other teams.

The Mysterious Move to Colorado

After the devastating blow of losing the Stanley Cup Finals to the New Jersey Devils, Paul Kariya vowed that he would be back in Anaheim the following season. Reaching UFA status at the end of the 2002-03 season, Kariya’s $10M per-year contract needed to be renegotiated.

Tragedy struck the Mighty Ducks organization and fan base when it was announced that their beloved left wing had agreed to terms with the Colorado Avalanche. Taking a colossal salary cut, earning $1.2M on a one year contract, the aging NHLer saw the need to move on.

His best friend and former teammate, Teemu Selanne, joined the team during the same season. Together, the two of them had their eyes on one thing; the Stanley Cup. The Colorado team was chalked full of raw talent and Cup-winning potential. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to play with skaters like Philip Forsberg and Joe Sakic.

Due to his “betrayal” to the franchise, many Anaheim Duck’s fans were bitter towards Kariya. Unlike Teemu Selanne, he never returned to the franchise and fell out of favor with the fans for many years.

It was reported that Kariya required a $10M qualifying offer from the Mighty Ducks organization. However, it is still unknown what sparked Kariya to move on from the Mighty Ducks. A player wouldn’t simply leave the only team he’s ever known and take a pay cut that large for no reason.

Nevertheless, we still do not know exactly why Kariya and the Ducks failed to come to terms on his last contract. Perhaps he felt like his contributions were not being appreciated. Maybe he just wanted the chance to play alongside his dearest friend again.

We may never know the real reason behind his departure and we’re just going to have to live with that. I do, however, believe that Kariya did not leave for selfish reasons. His constant bend towards humility leads me to believe otherwise.

Nevertheless, the game-winning formula the Colorado Avalanche thought they had, did not work out in their favor. Paul Kariya fell short, yet again, of winning the coveted Stanley Cup.

A Sad End to the Paul Kariya Saga

After a short stint with the Nashville Predators, Paul Kariya found himself in the Gateway to the West, St. Louis, Missouri. However, his career with Blues didn’t end like he thought it would.

On December 6, 2009, Paul Kariya suffered his sixth concussion after Patrick Kaleta‘s elbow made contact with his head during a contest against the Buffalo Sabres. He sat out most of the season, playing only 11 games, due to suffering from post-concussion syndrome.

Post-concussion syndrome is a mild form of a traumatic brain injury (TBI.) It causes symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, ringing in the ears, blurry vision, nose and light sensitivity, and memory loss.

After being tested by his doctor, he came to the startling realization that his brain was only functioning in the 25th percentile. At the urging of medical professionals, Paul Kariya hung up his skates after the 2009-10 season, at the age of 35.

All of Kariya’s concussions caused serious repercussions. He suffers from a slight case of memory loss. In fact, Paul has since come out and said that he does not remember his infamous “off the floor, on the board” moment. After being laid out by Scott Stevens, he does not remember what happened before the hit. Nor does he remember what happened after he got back up, Game 7, or the two days after.

At the suggestion of his doctor, he has taken up ballroom dancing and exercises his mind with brain puzzles. His former teammate, Teemu Selanne, has come out to say that for a while, Kariya seemed very bitter towards the NHL. Their lack of discipline when it came to life-altering injuries such as TBI’s was alarming.

Nevertheless, his heart has once against softened towards the sport he loves and the league that made him a start. He does, however, still prefer to spend most his time out of the spotlight. Since retiring, he has only been in attendance at two NHL games. The first being Teemu’s final game with the Anaheim Ducks and the second the night he was honored by the Anaheim Ducks for being inducted into the NHL hall of fame.

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame

Since his retirement, Paul Kariya has led a quiet life. Despite his short stint away from Anaheim, his heart brought him back to the city that he loved. He has taken up surfing as a therapeutic pass time. In fact, he was out catching waves when he received the call that he was one of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2017 inductees.

His longtime friend, Teemu Selanne, who was being inducted that same year, found out before even Kariya did. It is an incredible honor for any player to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, but to be inducted alongside your friend and former teammate is an experience of a lifetime. It is even more incredible that two former players from the Anaheim Ducks are being honored as inductees at the same time.

Although Paul Kariya is mostly remembered as the player who was forced to retire due to his many concussions, he changed the NHL world in a miraculous way. At only 5’10”, he was living proof that you don’t need to be a big or physical player to make an impact on the ice. Passion, creativity, and explosive talent are what led Kariya to become one of the best play makers in Anaheim Ducks history.

“Paul Kariya paved the way for those who were told that their skill and creativity would only take them so far in a game where size and strength were thought to be paramount. Paul Kariya not only changed minds. He also changed the game.” -Video introduction for Paul Kariya’s Hall of Fame Speech

Paul Kariya was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13, 2017. He was honored later that week, alongside Teemu Selanne, by the Anaheim Ducks organization. It was an absolute honor for all of us, to experience this alongside two of the best players in Anaheim Ducks history.

Despite the backlash Paul has received from some of the Anaheim Ducks fans, he deserved the honor of being memorialized in the HHOF. For generations to come, his impact on the NHL world will be remembered.

The Anaheim Ducks are Retiring Number Nine

Twenty-five years ago, a bright-eyed teenage boy’s dreams came true when he was the first player in franchise history drafted by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The Anaheim Ducks and Ducks Nation have watched him grow, we have watched him succeed, and we have seen him leave his mark on us and on the world.

It seems only fitting that, 25 years later during this important milestone, that Paul Kariya is the second number to be raised to the rafters at Honda Center. Teemu Selanne’s number 8 will no longer hang in solitude. Number 8 and 9 will hang beside each other for years to come, as they did during their days with the Mighty Ducks.

More from History

• Anaheim Ducks Tales: When Paul Kariya Almost Came Back
• Anaheim Ducks: The Franchise All-Time Bracket Matchup
• Anaheim Ducks: Top 5 Goals in the Stanley Cup Finals
• Anaheim Ducks: The Series that Defined the Decade
• Anaheim Ducks Tales: The Past Reminds Us to be Thankful for the Present

The ceremony begins at Honda Center at on Sunday, October 21 at 3:15 p.m. prior to the Anaheim Ducks vs Buffalo Sabres game. Be sure to bring a lot of tissues, because you’re definitely going to need it as one of the greatest hockey players in Anaheim Ducks history is immortalized forever.

For many of us, Paul Kariya is the reason we fell in love with the sport of hockey in the first place. For others of us, myself included, we wish we could have seen him play back in the day. Nevertheless, whether you’re new to Ducks Nation or you’ve been here from the start, we are all impacted by Paul Kariya in the same way.

It is wonderful to see that Paul Kariya is finally getting the recognition he rightfully deserves. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate his legacy by retiring his number. Forever, as it should be, the number nine will be associated with Paul Kariya.

I know there is no chance that Paul Kariya will ever see the words I have written. However, on the off chance that he ever does, I leave him with these words.

Paul, the Anaheim Ducks and Ducks Nation is so incredibly proud of you and we are honored to have your numbers hang in our rafters. You are a true testament that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to with the right amount of courage, passion, humility, and kindness. Your nine season’s with the Anaheim Ducks have left an impact on this franchise that will last through the generations. For that, we are truly thankful.

What is your favorite Paul Kariay moment? Let us know by leaving a comment down below or finding us on Facebook or Twitter!