|
|
|
|
Ryan Kesler
|
| |
|
| |
Ryan Kesler (b. August 31 1984, in Livonia, Michigan) is a professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League.
Playing careerRyan Kesler grew up playing minor hockey in Michigan until entering the U.S. National Team Development Program with the U-18s in 2000-01. As part of the program, Kesler scored a total of 30 goals and 69 assists for 99 points in 131 games, but most significantly, led the U.S. to a gold medal in the 2002 U-18 World Juniors, receiving Best Player honours.
The following season, Kesler left the program to play college hockey for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the CCHA. As a freshman with Ohio State, Kesler scored 11 goals and 20 assists to rank fourth in team scoring, behind third-year forward R.J. Umberger – also a Vancouver Canucks first round draft pick. Kesler's play as a freshman earned him an honourable mention for the CCHA All-Rookie Team. He was also league rookie of the week three times.
That summer, Kesler was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks 23rd overall in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Upon being drafted, Kesler played his first professional season with the Canucks AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose in 2003-04, playing 33 games and scoring 11 points. During that season, Kesler made his first NHL appearance on November 24, 2003, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His first NHL goal was later scored on November 29 against the Calgary Flames.
During the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Kesler emerged as one of the Canucks' top prospects, finishing third in team scoring in Manitoba, and most notably, earning team MVP honours.
When NHL play resumed the next season in 2005-06, Kesler played his first full season with the Canucks, scoring 23 points in 82 games. On September 12, 2006, Kesler signed an offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers as a restricted free agent worth $1.9 million USD. The move was controversial on the Flyers' part, as extending offer sheets to restricted free agents was very rare at the time and was generally criticized around the league. The Canucks had a week to decide whether to match the offer or take a second-round pick from the Flyers in 2007 NHL Entry Draft as compensation; they matched the Flyers' offer two days later and re-signed Kesler.
Mid-way through the 2006-07 season, Kesler seriously injured his hip, leaving him out of the line-up for the remainder of the season, subsequently holding him to 16 points in 48 games. Following hip surgery, Kesler was projected to be out of the line-up for 12-16 weeks, but made an early return for the first game of the 2007 NHL Playoffs on April 11 against the Dallas Stars. As a surprise starter, Kesler played 27:51 in 39 shifts in the Canucks 5-4 victory in quadruple overtime. However, in a case of bad luck, Kesler was re-injured, displacing his index finger after trying to block a shot. As a result, Kesler missed the rest of the playoffs, in which Vancouver beat Dallas in seven games, but was eliminated in the second round by the Anaheim Ducks, the eventual Stanley Cup winners.
In the off-season, Kesler signed a 3- year deal that would see him make an annual salary of $1.75 million. This contract was actually a paycut compared to Kesler's previous contract, however, this was not because of a drop in play, but because of the Flyers' previous 1-year, $1.9 million offer sheet that the Canucks were forced to meet.
At the beginning of the 2007-08 season, Kesler was viciously cross-checked in the face by Jesse Boulerice in the third period of a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The cross-check left Kesler on the ice for a period of time, but he fortunately escaped serious injury. Boulerice was subsequently given a 25 game suspension, matching the largest such penatly ever given in league history. Later in the season, Kesler was involved in another incident when Anaheim Ducks defensemen Chris Pronger used his skate blade to stomp on Kesler's leg; Pronger received an eight-game suspension.
Kesler established himself as a solid two-way center within the league in 2007-08, scoring 21 goals and playing a regular shutdown role against opposing team's top players. At even strength and on the penalty kill, Kesler formed a regular and effective duo with linemate Alexandre Burrows.
FamilyDuring the hockey season, Ryan lives with his wife Andrea and three dogs in Vancouver, while residing in Michigan in the off-season. Ryan and his wife Andrea have a daughter named Mikayla Rylan Kesler (born May 20, 2008 in Michigan).
Achievements
Career statisticsInternational playKesler debuted internationally with the U.S. in the 2002 U-18 World Juniors. Kesler led the U.S. to a gold medal receiving Best Player honours.
The following year, Kesler was named to the U.S. under-20 team at the 2003 World Juniors. Helping the U.S. to a fourth place finish, he scored 7 points in 7 games – second overall in team scoring.
In 2004, Kesler participated in his second World Juniors and helped the U.S. win their first gold medal in the history of the tournament, scoring 3 goals in 6 games. In the gold medal game against Canada, he scored the game-tying goal in the third period before the U.S. overtook the Canadians 4-3.
After Kesler's third professional season, Kesler made his senior international debut in the 2006 World Championships as Vancouver failed to make the playofs. The U.S. were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
International StatisticsExternal links
|
| |
|
|
