Brian Salcido, a Hermosa Beach native became the 23rd California-born player to play in the NHL, and the 16th from Southern California, when he suited up for the Ducks’ game against the Detroit Red Wings.Prior to the trade that brought Wayne Gretzky to Southern California in the summer of 1988, only seven California-born players had ever played in the NHL.Since the trade and the inception of the Ducks in 1993, 15 California-born players have debuted in the NHL (Salcido will be the 16th).
Prior to 1988, only five Southern California-born players had appeared in the NHL. However, in just the last four seasons (since the start of the 2005-06 campaign), four players from Southern California have debuted in the league, with Salcido the fifth tonight.