Mighty Strong Response to Kariya’s Departure

Did Paul Kariya know he was lying when he spoke to hundreds of Duck fans at the celebration held at the Pond and said, “Same time, same place, but a different result next year?” As a long-suffering Duck fan, I have endured years of ridicule.

As a long-suffering Duck, Kariya has earned the respect of thousands of fans. With this surprising and unexpected turn of events, Kariya has become a traitor. Every time the Avalanche comes to the Pond next season, I will be there to yell at him.

Chris Franco

San Diego

*

This is one nine-year Duck season-ticket holder who totally supports Duck management’s decision not to pay Kariya $10 million -- and I have renewed my season tickets.

In the Stanley Cup playoffs, it was obvious that all Duck wings can play great defense as well as offense, except Kariya.

Also, when you pay $10 million for a player, you do not expect to be at the bottom in power-play points.

Pat Zimmerman

Canyon Lake

*

Just when all of us were made believers by the incredible run of the Mighty Ducks in the playoffs, they pull off what has to be the stupidest move I can remember in the history of our region’s hockey by not making a qualifying offer to Paul Kariya.

Kariya is in the prime of his career, and it looks as if he will be getting to fulfill his dream of winning a championship, but unfortunately it will be with another team.

Shame on Duck management for letting this happen. After annually raising ticket prices throughout their years of missed playoff runs, this is the last straw. The upcoming work stoppage is not an excuse for letting fans down.

Rami Hernandez

Los Angeles

*

The Ducks took a gamble and hoped Paul Kariya would re-sign with them. Now the greatest player in team history and the team captain is gone.

It took more than four seasons for the team to come back from their post-’97 playoff management blunder. Now less than one month after their Stanley Cup playoff run, it looks as if we’re going back to the dark ages again. All of the great feelings of the playoffs have been ruined.

And Duck management wants to raise some ticket prices 11%?

Bill Morton

Anaheim

*

The Kings have a golden opportunity to establish themselves as the team to see in L.A. by signing free-agent superstar Sergei Fedorov, who has indicated a willingness to play here for less than he would have commanded by remaining in Detroit.

In the same way that the Kings put themselves on the sports landscape by signing superstar Wayne Gretzky in 1988, they now have the chance to show their long-suffering fans that they do indeed have a commitment to winning, not just existing.

F. Gary Lacroix

Torrance

*

I see where Luc Robitaille wants to protect his upside by requesting an “incentivized” contract with the Kings. Well, I would like to be protected too.

So if the Kings don’t make the playoffs next season, I want a 20% refund on my season seat purchase. If they don’t make any significant moves to improve the team during the year, another 10% refund.

Finally, if they are in no position to make the playoffs come the trading deadline and start to unload players, another 10% refund. It’s only fair.

Brian Haueter

Ventura