To The Rafters: Kariya and Niedermayer

Photos: NHL

By Michael Walters

Today the Anaheim Ducks announced that they would be retiring Paul Kariya and Scott Niedermayer‘s jersey numbers.

Kariya’s number #9 jersey will be retired on Sunday, October 21st, 2018 at 5 PM PST against the Buffalo Sabres. Niedermayer’s #27 jersey will be retired on Sunday, February 17th, 2019 at 6 PM PST against the Washington Capitals.

Paul Kariya

After the expansion draft, Kariya was the Ducks first draft pick in 1993. He played in 606 career games with the Mighty Ducks recording 669 total points(300 G + 369 A). Captain Kariya led the Ducks to the Stanley Cup Final in 2003 ultimately losing to Scott Niedermayer and the New Jersey Devils. He still leads the team in a few categories including Goals Per Game(0.50), Points Per Game(1.10), and Goals Created Per Game(0.43). Kariya had a huge impact as many local hockey fans in California and fans worldwide followed the Anaheim organization because of him.

“I am extremely honored and very thankful to Henry and Susan Samueli and the entire Ducks organization for this incredible recognition,” Kariya said in a statement. “This is not something I ever dreamed would happen. I am very grateful to the community for their support, and I look forward to celebrating this special evening in October with all Ducks fans.”

Scott Niedermayer

Niedermayer also served as Anaheim’s Captain and ultimately led the Ducks to their first Stanley Cup Championship in 2007. He played five seasons with the Ducks recording 264 total points(60 G + 204 A). He is still the Ducks all-time leader in goals, assists, points, and power play goals for an Anaheim defenseman. He won the Stanley Cup a total of four times and two Olympic Gold Medals. Niedermayer has continued to help the Anaheim organization for several seasons after retirement in a coaching role.

“What an incredible honor,” said Niedermayer, thanking the Samuelis in his statement. “I’m very grateful to have played for such an incredible organization in front of amazing Ducks fans. I’m also grateful for the amazing teammates, coaches and training staff I was able to work with in Anaheim. Together, we achieved great things.”

Related:

Kariya and Selanne Elected To Hockey Hall of Fame

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July 9th, 2018