While growing up in London, Ontario, Steve Rucchin considered hockey to be little more than a diversionary time killer. By the time he attended Banting High School, the brainy centreman quit playing minor hockey to skate a mere two and a half months per season for his school's team. But despite his limited ice time, he became good enough to skate for the hometown University of Western Mustangs of the OUAA. While studying biology, Rucchin became a dominant player throughout the university circuit. At the close of his senior year, he was voted the league's MVP and was selected as a First Team All-Canadian. While quietly dominating his league, a part time scout named Richard Green of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks was told of the young "phenom" over at Western University. He alerted the Anaheim brass, who sent a crew up for a look at Rucchin's play. They were so impressed, they took a vow of secrecy to avoid alerting any competitors about their prospect.

>

As such, the Ducks were able to secure Rucchin's rights in a supplemental draft held in 1994. The young centreman left Western University with a degree in biology in one hand and a professional contract in the other. Rucchin started the 1994-95 campaign with the San Diego Gulls of the IHL. But his impressive play won him a permanent spot on the Ducks' rosters midway through the season. Since that time, he has established himself as a versatile NHLer with sound hockey instincts, good puck control, and a willingness to work his own end and the corners to good effect. In 2002-03 Rucchin surpassed 500 games played and helped the Ducks reach the Stanley Cup Final, only to lose in a hard-fought seven game series to the New Jersey Devils. Coming off a Stanley Cup run the previous year, the Ducks struggled in 2003-04, yet Rucchin continued his strong play on the ice, finishing the season with 43 points (20-23-43) and at the same time reaching the 400-point plateau. Following the NHL lock out of 2004-05, Rucchin was acquired by the New York Rangers in the summer of 2005.