Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Jersey |
Manufacturer: Nike
Material: Airknit/Flowknit
Year: 1996-1999
Away (Eggplant): Paul Kariya Size 52
Material: Airknit/Flowknit
Year: 1996-1999
Away (Eggplant): Paul Kariya Size 52
Jersey History |
Probably one of my favorite jersey designs ever. The Mighty Ducks joined the NHL in the 1993-94 season as a franchise owned by Disney. The name and logo would come from their popular movie, The Mighty Ducks. The design of this jerseys is very similar to the ones introduced at their inauguration. The main crest would be a duck in a goalie mask who was dubbed "Wild Wing." The only difference with the original jersey and these being Nike introduced the shoulder patches you see here. Both the main crest and shoulder patches are both raised/puffy giving them more depth. The Ducks would wear this style jersey until Disney sold the franchise. The "Mighty" would be dropped and the team would just become the Ducks change up the color scheme and overall design of the jerseys. The Ducks would bring back the main crest as an alternate jersey in 2015-17, and 2018-present. Their 20th Anniversary also had the team wear the original jersey model in the Reebok Edge cut in 2013.
Player History |
Paul Kariya: Paul Kariya was one of my biggest idols growing up. After pretty much living and breathing the Mighty Ducks movies how could I not? Born in North Vancouver, BC, Kariya would spend some time with the University of Maine before being drafted by the Mighty Ducks 4th overall in 1993. Kariya wouldn't join the Ducks right away as he would play for Team Canada in order to prepare for the 1994 Olympics. He would join the Ducks during the 1994-95 season where he made and immediate impact scoring 39 points in 47 games and finishing just behind Peter Forsberg for the Calder. The 1996-97 season saw Kariya become the franchise's 3rd captain. He would captain the team to their first Stanley Cup Final in 2003 but would ultimately fall short losing to the New Jersey Devils in a heart breaking game 7. Kariya's contract was up in 2003 and was asking for a big payout which the Ducks couldn't swing, so he signed on with the Colorado Avalanche on one of the most skilled teams on paper ever. Unfortunately the team just didn't pan out with all the star power and signed with the Nashville Predators in the offseason. Kariya would spend two seasons with the Predators but would not continue with the team due to uncertainties of relocation. He would sign with the St. Louis Blues where he played for 3 seasons before retiring in 2011.
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If Kariya played in today's NHL he would be up there with Crosby and McDavid. His play-style was fast and his wrist shot and play making abilities were lethal. He would score 30+ goals 4 times, 40+ goals twice, and a career high 50 goals his sophomore season. He would break the 100 point mark twice. In his 15 seasons he would play 989 games scoring 402 goals and 989 points. He would be named to the NHL All Rookie Team in 1995, the NHL 1st All Star Team in 1996, 1997, and 1999, and the NHL 2nd All Star Team in 2000 and 2003. He would be selected to 7 All Star Games as well in 1996-97, 1999, and 2000-03. He would also be a two time Lady Byng winner in 1996 and 1997. He currently holds some records including most short handed goals at 16 for the Ducks (tied with Andrew Cogliano). He also holds the record for most Puck Control Relay wins during the NHL Skills Competition. A record likely to not be broken for a while since it's no longer an event.
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Kariya would represent Canada internationally. He would win silver in the 1991 Gretzky Hlinka Cup. He would play in 2 IIHF World Junior Championships in 1992 and won gold in 1993. He would play in 3 IIHF World Championships in 1993, winning silver in 1996, and winning gold in 1994. He would also play in the Olympics winning silver in 1994 and gold in 2002. Kariya suffered through many injuries during his career including numerous concussions. After he retired he stepped away from the hockey community while speaking out about concussion protocols within the NHL. He wanted nothing to do with the Ducks organization as well who had offered him a front office position. Kariya would eventually come back as he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017 and finally his number 9 was retired in the rafters of The Pond (Honda Center) in 2018.