Finally, Kariya opens up about the hit that changed his career

Anaheim Mighty Ducks’ star forward Paul Kariya was taken out by a huge hit in the 2003 Stanley Cup finals. He laid motionless on the ice following a crushing Scott Stevens hit, and was helped off to the dressing room. To everyone’s surprise, he returned to the ice and beat Martin Brodeur glove side to help his team stave off elimination.

In an exclusive interview with Michael Farber of TSN, Kariya comes out for the first time about this hit, and a string of others throughout his NHL tenure that ultimately ended his career. The devastating hit occurred in game 6, and the Hall of Famer has absolutely no recollection of what occurred on that day – or on the days following, including the game 7 final.

His history of concussions isn’t unique – many players over the course of NHL history have succumbed to its ill effects, leading to premature ends to careers, and in some cases, to players’ lives.

Kariya will shed light on the devastating effects of post-concussion syndrome in hopes that the NHL will continue to make progress on the crackdown of dangerous hits. TSN will be airing the special feature ‘SURFACING’ on Sportscentre, today at 6 pm.