PLAYER PROFILES

Doug Houda: #6

Age: 32

Defenseman

Shoots: R

Best days are probably behind him, but it doesn’t mean he can’t help the Ducks. Experienced steady defensemen are tough to come by, and he fits the bill nicely. Also counted on to help tutor the Ducks’ young defensemen. Acquired Feb. 6 in a six-player deal with New York Islanders.

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1997-98 Record GP G A TP PIM +/- N.Y. Isles/Ducks 55 2 4 6 99 -11

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Paul Kariya: #9

Age: 23

Left wing

Shoots: L

Missed 32 games because of a contract dispute, then 28 more because of post-concussion syndrome. But he’s signed and healthy to start 1998-99. Figures to have a breakout season if he remains healthy. Has had four concussions in his lifetime, including two in the last two seasons.

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1997-98 Record GP G A TP PIM +/- Ducks 22 17 14 31 23 +12

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Patrick Lalime: #70

Age: 24

Goaltender

Catches: L

Acquired from Pittsburgh last March. Played last season with Grand Rapids of the International Hockey League because of a contract dispute with the Penguins. Holds the NHL record for the longest unbeaten streak to start his career (14-0-2) in 1996-97.

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1997-98 Record GP Min W-L-T GA SO GAA Grand Rapids 31 1,749 10-10-9 76 2 2.61

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Mike Leclerc: #65

Age: 21

Left wing

Shoots: L

Paul Kariya’s overtime goal in Game 6 of the 1997 playoffs against the Phoenix Coyotes is the most memorable in franchise history. Few remember that Leclerc’s game-winner in a March game against Chicago propelled the Ducks into the playoffs that season. So, now you know.

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1997-98 Record GP G A TP PIM +/- Ducks 7 0 0 0 6 -6

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Josef Marha: #10

Age: 22

Center

Shoots: L

Acquired from Colorado for tough guy Warren Rychel last March. Gives the Ducks something they’ve never had before: depth at a key position. Good in the faceoff circle. Tough around the net. Can shoot. Can pass. What’s not to like? Expected to fill third- or fourth-line center’s spot.

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1997-98 Record GP G A TP PIM +/- Colorado/Ducks 23 9 9 18 4 +4

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Jason Marshall: #23

Age: 27

Defenseman

Shoots: R

As tough as they come in the Duck defensive corps. Has made steady improvements each season and has emerged as the team’s top all-around defenseman this season. Your basic stay-at-home defenseman. Not afraid to drop the gloves either.

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1997-98 Record GP G A TP PIM +/- Ducks 72 3 6 9 189 -8

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Jim McKenzie: #33

Age: 28

Left wing

Shoots: L

Knows just what the Ducks need to toughen up this season. Pushed them around almost at will while a member of the Phoenix Coyotes. Gives the Ducks a solid one-two enforcer combination with Stu Grimson. Acquired from Phoenix in an off-season trade.

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1997-98 Record GP G A TP PIM +/- Phoenix 64 3 4 7 146 -7

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Jeff Nielsen: #19

Age: 27

Right wing

Shoots: R

Tough, energetic, hard-working. Expected to provide a spark on the third or fourth lines this season. Coach Craig Hartsburg likes his style. Got first extended NHL action last season and might have played more if not for a broken left ankle that sidelined him for seven weeks.

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1997-98 Record GP G A TP PIM +/- Ducks 32 4 5 9 16 -1

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