Paul Kariya Star Tenure
Speedy, intelligent offensive force and Hobey Baker winner who led Anaheim to the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals.
Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya (born October 16, 1974) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who was a winger for 15 seasons in the NHL. Known as a speedy and intelligent offensive force with exceptional vision, he played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues between 1995 and 2010.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Center; Franchise Icon
- Affiliation
- Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1993–2003)
- Draft status
- Fourth overall pick, 1993 NHL Entry Draft
- Status
- Retired; Hall of Fame Inductee
Lore & Background
Selected fourth overall in the 1993 NHL entry draft by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Kariya joined the team in 1995 and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. During his nine-year tenure with Anaheim, he formed an effective duo with Teemu Selänne, earned three NHL first All-Star team distinctions, and was runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1996. He won back-to-back Lady Byng trophies in 1996 and 1997. Serving as captain for seven seasons, he led the Mighty Ducks to the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the New Jersey Devils in seven games.
Reader's Guide
Kariya played two seasons of Junior A with the Penticton Panthers, then joined the University of Maine's Black Bears. In his freshman year, he received the Hobey Baker Award and helped lead the Black Bears to the 1993 NCAA title. He was drafted fourth overall in 1993 by the Mighty Ducks. After nine years in Anaheim, he had a single-season stint with the Avalanche, then signed with the Predators in August 2005, playing two seasons and setting a team record for points in a season (since broken). He finished his career with three seasons for the St. Louis Blues. He retired in June 2011 due to concussions. He was voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in June 2017, and his number 9 was retired by the Ducks on October 21, 2018.
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