NHL ALL-STAR WEEKEND

January 20, 1996

Paul Kariya

Q. What was it like being out there?

PAUL KARIYA: It was great. I wish I could have a had a camera and keep the memories. It was a great thrill. Smiling losing the game, but still, it was nice.

PAUL KARIYA: Yeah, I think the fans enjoyed it. We were into it. Everybody was cheering when we scored. It was a good atmosphere.

PAUL KARIYA: First one I -- he was sitting back in the net and looked like he was covering the lower part of the ice and when they do that, I usually like going up top. Got it up.

PAUL KARIYA: In a game, I mean, it is a lot easier than the skill competition. Once the puck drops I am relaxed, I have played a lot of games before; that was easy. Skills competition is something different. It is one-on-one competition all the time and once it is in a team atmosphere, I relax.

PAUL KARIYA: I was excited. I don't think my smile left my face the whole time. It was great to be out there with those guys, and I learned a lot from them, and a lot of great memories.

PAUL KARIYA: Not really. Actually when he scored the goal it was sort of my fault, I should have known that Wayne was behind, I tried to make a direct pass instead of rinking it around and I came back, but he just mentioned that out there.

PAUL KARIYA: I thought it was pretty good. It is difficult for all of us when there is five lines to try and stay loose and stay ready -- my legs were burning more tonight than ever I think this year just because you are sitting around, but overall it went pretty well.

PAUL KARIYA: Nothing was going through my mind. Just didn't want to fall or trip on a wire.

PAUL KARIYA: It is fine. That is what it is all about, it is playing the game. Yesterday when they hit me for that target shootout, I only got one out of 8 in Anaheim and I I don't want to make a fool out of myself, so I got one better. It was a lot of fun playing the game.

PAUL KARIYA: Really nice. One of the best finishes. Giving him the puck, he is going to bury it.

PAUL KARIYA: The puck sort of fumbled on me and that is why I turned it up. I had a two on one with Wayne and I didn't feel like we had the right position or whatever and I turned it up and saw him. He is always moving.