Paul Kariya

Professional hockey player Paul Kariya is a left-wing for the St. Louis Blues. Drafted 4th overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 1993 NHL Draft, he was one of the faces of the franchise, leading the Ducks to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the New Jersey Devils. Kariya signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche in 2003, the Nashville Predators in 2005 and the Blues in 2007.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 16, 1974
2. Full Name: Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya
3. Height: 5'10"
4. Weight: 180 lbs
5. Hometown: Vancouver, BC
6. NHL All-Star in 1999, 2000
7. 2002: Olympic Gold Medal with Canada
8. Has played 82 games in 7 NHL seasons

Career with the Ducks

The duo of Kariya and Teemu Selanne, along with center Steve Rucchin, was one of the most feared lines in the 1990s National Hockey League. Kariya scored 108 points in the 1995-96 season, a career best.

A pivotal moment in Kariya's legacy took place in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003. Kariya took a mid-ice check from the Devils' Scott Stevens and lay unconscious on the ice for several seconds. After waking up, Kariya returned to the locker room. Minutes later he returned to the ice and scored, helping the Ducks win to force a Game 7.

Post-Ducks Career

Kariya has continued to post considerable statistics and holds Predators records more goals, assists and points in a single season. He played for the St. Louis Blues in the 2007-2008 season. The team failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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