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Monday, October 15, 2001
Steve Kariya named Player of the Week
SPRINGFIELD, MA ... The American Hockey League announced today that Manitoba Moose left wing Steve Kariya has been named the Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday, October 14, 2001. In two games, both against the St. John's Maple Leafs, Kariya posted five assists as the Moose claimed three of a possible four standings points.
The 23-year-old Kariya picked up two assists in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss, and added three more on Saturday in a 5-1 Manitoba victory. For the season, the native of North Vancouver, B.C., is tied for the AHL lead with seven assists, and ranks third overall with a team-leading eight points. In recognition of his achievement, Kariya will receive a Sher-Wood leather jacket, presented to him during an on-ice ceremony prior to an upcoming game. In addition, Sher-Wood will donate five travel bags to the youth hockey organization of Kariya's choice.
Kariya, the younger brother of five-time NHL All-Star Paul Kariya of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, has played 62 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, tallying nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points. He was an NCAA East First Team All-American at the University of Maine, where he played four seasons and won a national championship in 1999.
Other players nominated for Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week include Bridgeport center Justin Mapletoft, Chicago right wing Rob Brown, Cleveland forward Mike Craig, Grand Rapids defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski, Hamilton center Jason Chimera, Houston right wing Tony Virta, Lowell right wing Mike Zigomanis, Manchester center Randy Robitaille, Philadelphia right wing Vaclav Pletka, Portland left wing Mark Murphy, Providence goaltender Andrew Raycroft, Rochester goaltender Mika Noronen, Saint John defenseman Alan Letang, St. John's goaltender Mikael Tellqvist, and Syracuse center Sean Pronger.
As Sher-Wood AHL Player of the Week, Kariya will participate later this week in an on-line chat at the AHL's official web site, theahl.com. Fans who wish to submit a question or participate in the chat may log on at theahl.com.