Ryan Kesler is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a center for the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on August 31, 1984, in Livonia, Michigan, and began his hockey career playing for the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in 2000.
Kesler was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and he made his NHL debut in 2003. He quickly established himself as a reliable two-way player, known for his strong defensive skills and ability to score goals. He was a key player for the Canucks for over a decade, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011.
During his time with the Canucks, Kesler was a three-time NHL All-Star and won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward in 2011. He was also a member of the United States men's national ice hockey team, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
In 2014, Kesler was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, where he continued to be a productive player. He helped the Ducks reach the Western Conference Finals in 2015 and was named an NHL All-Star for the second time in his career in 2017.
Kesler's career was cut short due to injuries, and he announced his retirement from professional hockey in May 2019. He finished his career with 258 goals and 315 assists in 1,001 NHL games.
Off the ice, Kesler was known for his charitable work, particularly his support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities. He also founded the Ryan Kesler Foundation, which raises money for various causes, including the fight against cancer.
Overall, Ryan Kesler was a highly respected and accomplished player during his NHL career. He was known for his tenacity, work ethic, and leadership, and he will be remembered as one of the best two-way players of his generation.
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