New Assignmentsfor Kariya, Call-Up

By Lonnie White

Oct. 31, 2001 12 AM PT

It didn’t take long to notice a major difference in the Mighty Ducks’ practice Tuesday.

For the first time this season, captain Paul Kariya was wearing a gray jersey instead of the familiar white jersey worn by Anaheim’s No. 1 forward line. In Kariya’s place skated Andy McDonald, who was recalled from minor league affiliate Cincinnati Monday.

Coach Bryan Murray said it wasn’t a demotion for Kariya, who has not scored a goal in 10 games and has only one this season. Instead, Murray made the switch to provide a better look at McDonald, who played 16 games with Anaheim last season after a stellar collegiate career at Colgate.

“I talked with Paul and told him that he’ll play left wing with [second-line center] Sammy [Pahlsson] and play right wing with [first-line center Steve] Rucchin some time,” Murray said.

“[McDonald] shouldn’t have to play the fourth line.... When you bring a skill guy like him up, you have to play him with guys who have the puck some of the time and try to do some creative things.”

In college, McDonald was an elite scorer who had 58 points in 34 games as a senior. McDonald is expected to be in the lineup for the Ducks tonight when they host San Jose.

“It was a surprise to me to get a call so early,” said McDonald, who had one goal and eight points in eight games with Cincinnati. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I want to help in whatever way that I can. I just have to do my job and not try to do too much. ... I got a chance to play a little bit last year and it is definitely an adjustment. I want to be able to make the transition as quickly as I can.”

TONIGHT

vs. San Jose, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Site--Arrowhead Pond.

Radio--XTRA (690).

Records--Ducks 4-6-1-0, Sharks 4-3-3-1.

Record vs. Sharks (2000-01)--1-3-0-1.

Update--Goaltender Steve Shields will start tonight after watching Jean-Sebastien Giguere get the call the last three games for the Ducks.