ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks raised Paul Kariya’s No. 9 to the Honda Center rafters Sunday night, honoring the high-scoring forward who became a Hall of Famer.
The Ducks celebrated Kariya’s career before their game against Buffalo with an emotional event ending with the hanging of Kariya’s banner alongside the No. 8 of Teemu Selanne, Kariya’s longtime linemate and close friend.
“Thank you for making tonight the most memorable night of my life,” said the 44-year-old Kariya, who voluntarily spent several years at a distance from hockey and the Ducks after his playing career ended in 2010 due to concussions.