Kariya Casts Himself in Lead Role Again

The headaches and dizziness stemming from a three-month battle against post-concussion syndrome are but distant memories now for Mighty Duck captain Paul Kariya. He said Tuesday he is looking forward to playing without complications next season.

“Before, I couldn’t remember the last time I felt good,” Kariya said during an informal news conference at the Arrowhead Pond. “Now, I can’t remember the last time I felt bad.”

Kariya, who suffered the fourth concussion of his career Feb. 1 when he was cross-checked in the jaw by Chicago Blackhawk defenseman Gary Suter, credited twice weekly acupuncture treatments for his recovery. Philadelphia Flyer center Eric Lindros, who also had a concussion last season, suggested Kariya try acupuncture.

“I didn’t think poking needles into me would work,” said Kariya, who began the acupuncture treatments April 20 after missing the season’s final 28 games.

“I did it for about a month and it was great. In North America, I don’t think acupuncture is looked upon that favorably, but it worked great for me. Now, it’s good to be looking forward to next season.”

Other than wearing a mouth guard for the first time in his career, Kariya said he has no plans to wear additional protective head gear next season.

“You don’t want something on your head that says, ‘I’m a target,’ ” Kariya said. “Obviously, I’ve got to protect myself a little better. I don’t think winning the Lady Byng [trophy for gentlemanly conduct in 1995-96 and 1996-97] is going to help me anymore. Maybe I’ve got to get my stick up a little bit and rack up some more penalty minutes.”

He was pleased to learn General Manager Jack Ferreira acquired enforcer Jim McKenzie from the Phoenix Coyotes last week. Kariya has been a vocal supporter of more toughness in the lineup to deter opponents from taking pot shots at him and right wing Teemu Selanne.

“I think we needed that,” Kariya said. “I spoke to Mark Janssens [a former Duck who now plays for Phoenix] and he says [McKenzie] is really tough and really knows his role.”

Kariya indicated he harbors no ill-will toward Suter or former Chicago Coach Craig Hartsburg, who is expected to be interviewed soon by Ferreira for the Ducks’ coaching vacancy.

Suter will be an unrestricted free agent July 1 and there has been talk that the Ducks would like to sign him to bolster their youthful defensive corps.

“If Gary Suter came to our team, I wouldn’t have a problem with him personally,” Kariya said. “You leave all that stuff out on the ice.”

Of Hartsburg, who initially questioned the severity of the injury, Kariya added: “Every coach has to protect his players. If you hold a vendetta against every guy who says something about you, you won’t be able to function.”

Kariya also said he fully expects to feel nervous when he returns to the ice for the first time since the injury.

“Basically, I’ve got to shut it out of my mind,” he said. “The longer I play without thinking about it, the better it’s going to be for me. After the first 10 games, hopefully, I’ll put it out of my mind.”

Asked if he ever considered retiring after the injury, he said, “I couldn’t help but think about it. Now I haven’t been thinking along those lines. When an injury takes that long to heal, especially when it’s your brain . . . you can still live if you have a bum knee, but if it’s your brain . . . .”

James Kelly--a Chicago-based neurologist who has worked with several NHL players, including Kariya--never recommended that Kariya quit.

“I know for a fact there is not a guy in the league who hasn’t had a concussion,” said Kariya, who plans to visit Kelly for a checkup this summer. “I can think of all those other athletes in other sports who are taking a far worse pounding. Of course there’s a risk [for Kariya], but no more so than for anyone else.”