Paul Tetsuhiko Kariya (born October 16, 1974) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known as a skilled and fast-skating offensive player, he played in the NHL for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues.After a two-year career with the Penticton Panthers, in which he was named Canadian Junior A Player of the Year in 1992, Kariya joined the college ranks with the Maine Black Bears. In his freshman year, he received the Hobey Baker Award while leading his team to the 1993 NCAA title. Selected fourth overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the Mighty Ducks, he joined the team in 1994–95 and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. During his nine-year tenure with Anaheim, Kariya formed an effective duo with fellow winger Teemu Selänne that helped him to three NHL First All-Star Team distinctions, while also finishing as the first runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy in 1997. Not an aggressive player, he won back-to-back Lady Byng Trophies in 1996 and 1997 as the league's most gentlemanly player. Serving as a 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. After a single-season stint with the Avalanche for the purpose of reuniting with Selänne who had been traded away from Anaheim, Kariya signed with the Predators in August 2005. He played two seasons in Nashville, setting team records for assists and points scored in a single-season in 2005–06. Kariya then finished his career playing three seasons with the Blues.Internationally, Kariya represented Canada on numerous stages and at different levels. He won gold at the 1993 World Junior Championships, his second appearance at the tournament. He made his first appearance at the Winter Olympics in 1994 as an amateur, winning silver. Eight years later, he helped Canada win gold at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In between Olympic appearances, he won gold and silver at the 1994 and 1996 World Championships, respectively.Throughout his NHL career, Kariya struggled with numerous concussions, which eventually forced his retirement in June 2011 after sitting out the 2010–11 season because of post-concussion syndrome. Psychiatrist Daniel Amen provided diagnosis and therapy for Kariya, advising him to retire as a professional, which he did.
Hart Memorial Trophy, Calder Memorial Trophy, Best Moment ESPY Award
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Fact
1
(July 1) Signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the St. Louis Blues. [2007]
2
(3 July) In a move that sent shock waves through the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche signed unrestricted free agents Kariya and Teemu Selanne to 1-year deals - Kariya for $1.2 million; Selanne for $5.8 million - reuniting the former Anaheim Mighty Ducks. [July 2003]
3
(27 December) The St. Louis Blues announced that Kariya will have surgery on his left hip and could miss the rest of the season. Kariya tore muscle fibers near the top of his thigh after taking a hit in a 5 November game against Anaheim. [2008]
4
(August 5) Signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Nashville Predators. [2005]
5
Sister Noriko complied a 9-3-1 record as a pro boxer (2005-2008).
6
In a move that sent shock waves through the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche signed unrestricted free agents Kariya and Teemu Selänne to 1-year deals: Kariya for $1.2 million; Selanne for $5.8 million. [July 2003]
7
Transferred from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks to the Colorado Avalanches
8
Was selected to play for the 1998 Canadian Olympic hockey team but became injured (concussion).
9
Father was born in an internment camp in Greenwood, Canada. Tetsuhiko Kariya's parents, along with 23,000 other Japanese-Canadians, were deemed "enemy aliens" during World War II. He later played rugby for the University of British Columbia.
10
Brother Steven - who also captained the University of Maine to the 1999 NCAA title - played 65 games for the Vancouver Canucks. He has been playing in Finland since the 2004-2005 season.
11
Kariya played in the Ducks' game against the Canucks on 28 December 2002 even though his father died on the 27th of a heart attack. He was given the option to stay in Vancouver to be with his family, but decided to travel with the team to Calgary for their next game.
12
His parents were school teachers.
13
Nickname in collge: The Mighty Mouse.
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His miss in a shootout with Sweden cost Canada the 1994 Olympic gold medal. However, he helped Canada win gold in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
15
Scored 91 goals and 153 assists for 244 points in 94 games for Pentiction High School (Pentiction, British Columbia).
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First freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award - U.S. college hockey's premier individual honor - notching 25 goals and 75 assists for 100 points in 39 games during his only full season, helping the University of Maine Black Bears to a 42-1-2 overall record, and the 1993 NCAA and Hockey East titles.
17
Signed a two-year, $14 million deal that ended his 32-game holdout with the Mighty Ducks. [November 1997]
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Paul's middle name, Tetsuhiko, is his father's name.
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Drafted by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks 4th overall in 1993.
20
Was so proficient at golf that at 13 he almost quit hockey to concentrate on that sport.
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Older sister: Michiko Joanne Kariya. Younger sister: Noriko Ann Kariya.
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Brother Martin, who played college hockey at Maine like Paul and Steve, has been playing pro hockey in Finland, Russia, and Switzerland since the 2006-2007 season.
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Second oldest of five children
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Half-Japanese/half-Scottish. Second-oldest of five children. Siblings: Michiko, Steven, Noriko, Martin.
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Hobbies include golf, tennis, and reading. Took up juggling at the beggining of the 1994-1995 season
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A Dean's list student at Maine
27
Former captain of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks NHL team.
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
D3: The Mighty Ducks
1996
thanks
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Gold Rush 2002
2002
Video documentary
Team Canada Forward
Salt Lake City 2002: XIX Olympic Winter Games
2002
TV Mini-Series
Himself
Unscripted with Chris Connelly
2001
TV Series
Himself
NHL: All-Access!
2001
Video documentary
Himself
Up Close Primetime
2001
TV Series
Himself
H-E Double Hockey Sticks
1999
TV Movie
Himself
Gretzky: The Great One and the Next Ones
1997
Video
Himself
D3: The Mighty Ducks
1996
Himself (uncredited)
The Making of the NHL's Mighty Duck's
1993
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Sel8nne
2013
Documentary
Himself
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Ultimate Gretzky
2003
Video documentary
Himself
Salt Lake 2002: Stories of Olympic Glory
2003
TV Movie documentary
Himself (uncredited)
Known for movies
H-E Double Hockey Sticks (1999) as Himself
The Making of the NHL's Mighty Duck's (1993) as Himself
$55 Million
