We know it was about to happen....Long after when Teemu Selanne's Number Retired and both him and Kariya were honor being one of first 2 Ducks for their Hall of Fame Induction. It was bound to happen. 6 Day ago on July 9th Ducks will raise Number 9 and 27 to rafters of Ponda to honor both Ducks Icons and Legends. One contributed first 9 years in putting our Ducks on the Hockey Map,Other contributed in Ducks Winning their First Stanley Cup 11 years ago.
Paul Kariya Drafted 4th overall in 1993 by then-Mighty Ducks made his mark from his dazzling speed to playmaking skills with Ducks Legend Teemu Selanne. Scoring 50 goals in 95-96 becoming first Duck to achieve that feat. He won Lady Byng twice in 1996,1997. Represented Mighty Ducks/Anaheim Ducks 7 times,Respresented Canada in Olympics 2002 winning Olympic Gold and World Championship in Italy 1994. He holds record for most points by a Ducks Left Wing in single Season 108. Most Assists in season 62 and most shorthanded points in Career...playing 606 games. Over the course of 9 years Kariya has scored 300goals, 369assists 669pts. One of the highlights of his tenure with the Ducks is Game 6 2003 Stanley Cup Final vs New Jeresy...PK was knocked out by a hit from Scott Stevens. I remeber that moment angry,concern and outrage......it send chills to see Karyia's visor fog up as if he ws risen and came back life. Escorted back to the Locker room for few mins only to return and later score the Goal...."Off the Floor! On the Board!".....those words live in all Ducks Fans from Orange County and worldwide who witness it be it Live or on TV. Another Moment I remeber well was Kariya racing down towards the Enemy's net vs Phoniex. With speed he nearly got the puck into the net only to be have it put in by Steve Rucchin.
Scott Niedermayer arrived to the Ducks on Aug6th 2005, if it were not for his brother Rob. Ducks would never have gotten signed by convinced to play for Ducks Cause. over the span of 371 games Scott Niedermayer who wore Ducks Captains C with Honor,Pride and respect scored 60goals 204 assists with 264pts....He has won every major Hockey Championship in his career. Winning Stanley Cup,Olympic Gold Medal,Memorial Cup,World Hockey Championship,World Cup and World Junior Hockey title. His Contributions during Ducks 2006-2007 including late Tying Goal at 19:12 of 3rd period and GWG in OT Game5 vs Vancouver lead our Ducks to becoming first California team to Win the Stanley Cup. Also Became 2nd Duck to Win Conn Smythe as Stanley Cup Playoff MVP.
Both of these Players having their Numbers retired is Symbolic Importance for all Ducks Fans and Ducks in General. It shows 1.Hockey is very sucessful in non tradtiona Market such as Orange County California producing great players who made their mark to the Ducks 2.Unique History of Ducks is pave with great peservance and possibilites....No9 and No27 being 2nd and 3rd Ducks Numbers to be raised to the Rafters is Testament to Ducks History,Ducks Fans and Ducks themselves for generations to come.
Both made their marks and in Alltime Career numbers as we reflect on their contributions to the team Let us always appericate them for allowing us to witness their efforts to the Ducks.
DuckPride 4ever
MooseDuck
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