Selanne Feels Sore but Happy

Teemu Selanne will take two Olympic souvenirs back to Anaheim today: a bronze medal and a pulled lower stomach muscle.

The Mighty Duck right wing, one of the hockey tournament’s top scorers with four goals and 10 points, couldn’t play in Finland’s 3-2 victory over Canada on Saturday after experiencing soreness during pregame warmups. He surmised the injury occurred several weeks ago, when he had a sore back and began doing stretching exercises to strengthen his abdominal muscles.

“I played four games and was in a little bit of pain. In this tournament, it got worse and worse,” he said. “It got sorer and sorer. [Friday] it felt great, but [Saturday] it was hurting. I hope it’s not serious. I have my fingers crossed, but it’s pretty sore.”

Selanne said he will undergo various tests when he returns to California.

“It was hard to watch the game from the stands today, but I’m very proud of my teammates,” he said.

The Ducks will be without left wing Paul Kariya when they resume play Wednesday because Kariya hasn’t fully recovered from the concussion he suffered Feb. 1.

Despite the injury, Selanne considers his Olympic experience thrilling.

“This is unbelievable,” he said, fingering the medal hanging from his neck. “It’s great to be part of this tournament and this team. We were hungry and we wanted this medal so bad.

“We were disappointed [to lose to Russia in the semifinals], but to beat Canada to win a bronze medal is great.”