The Ice has Melted for Paul Kariya

On July 29th, 2011,  Paul Kariya called it a career after 15 seasons in the NHL.  Kariya missed all of the 2010-2011 season due to a concussion he suffered in December of 2009, in which he took an elbow to the head by Buffalo Sabre's winger, Patrick Katela.  Doctors haven't been able to clear Kariya to play and a recent brain scan showed continued signs of brain damage.  With no choice, Paul Kariya is forced to walk away from the game he loves.


Paul Kariya was drafted 4th overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993.  Along with Teemu Salanne, Kariya made hockey relevant in Southern California.  Not exactly the most ideal destination for a NHL franchise, Kariya and Salanne had the then, Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim rocking on a nightly basis.  The exciting duo created a buzz in Orange County, and helped hockey become popular among the young and the old. Everywhere you went in the OC, you would see kids playing street hockey.  Kariya and Salanne jerseys were everywhere and all the kids I knew had a Mighty Ducks duck caller, myself included, that were sold at games and local sporting good stores.

Kariya served as the Ducks team captain for 7 years, before going to the Colorado Avalanche, with Salanne in 2004.  Kariya was a 6 time all-star, won a Gold Medal with team Canada in 2002, and also won the NCAA National Championship at the University of Maine.

Kariya had a solid NHL career, unfortunately it was cut a little short.  I attended many Ducks games in the mid 90's and I will always remember Kariya and the impact he made on hockey and the community. The Ducks should retire his number and I look  forward to it happening.  Quack-Quack-Quack!!!