Quote:
Originally Posted by jemjey
so was I, doesn't change the fact I'm half-asian.
I know for me, personally as a kid growing up he was definitely someone i looked up to/ felt I could relate to, and made hockey more accessible for me.
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The discussion was about popularity of hockey in Asia. The difference between Paul Kariya and the other names mentioned is that he is Asian by heritage, not by birth. Jim Paek was born in Korea and coaches their national team. He did grow up in Canada, which may be a factor in it not being as big of a deal. I don't know how well-known he was in Korea when he made the NHL. Richard Park was born in Korea, but grew up in North America.
I am absolutely not discounting Paul Kariya as a role model for Asian-Canadians or even people in Asia with aspirations of playing hockey.
What I'm suggesting is that the popularity of hockey in Asian countries is likely to be benefited far more by having a home-grown player make the NHL than a Canadian with few ties to the country of his heritage. That's what's exciting about this kid with respect to growing hockey fans internationally.
Hopefully that makes what I'm saying clearer than my one sentence drive-by from a few days ago.