Kariya Has Goal and Assist in Debut for Ducks

The Mighty Ducks lost to the Dallas Stars, 4-3, in an exhibition game Tuesday at Reunion Arena that marked the debut of rookie Paul Kariya.

Kariya, 19, had a goal and an assist, both in the third period, and rookie linemate Valeri Karpov, 23, also had a goal and an assist. The two young wingers are playing on a line with veteran center Anatoli Semenov, 32.

“It was a learning experience,” Kariya said. “I have to learn what I can and can’t do at this level. Nothing comes just like that. It takes years, not just one game.”

Kariya’s goal, at 15:20 of the third, came on what he called “a bad pass” meant for Semenov. Instead, the puck went in off defenseman Craig Ludwig.

The game also marked the debut of veteran defenseman Tom Kurvers, a power-play specialist the Ducks traded for during the off-season. Kurvers scored the Ducks’ first goal--on a power play--at 12:46 of the second.