Former Vancouver Canucks player Ryan Kesler, aged 41, faces two charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan. Kesler appeared in Bloomfield Hills District Court via Zoom on Monday and entered not guilty pleas to the misdemeanor charges. The alleged incidents took place on January 1 in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
A bond of $50,000 US, with a 10% deposit, was imposed on Kesler. Additionally, he was instructed not to leave Michigan without court approval and must attend all scheduled hearings. A probable-cause conference is scheduled for November 6, followed by a preliminary examination on November 13.
Originally from Livonia, Michigan, Kesler played for the Vancouver Canucks from 2003 to 2014 before moving to the Anaheim Ducks until his retirement in 2019. He represented the United States in the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games.
During his time with the Canucks, Kesler was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2011 for being the NHL’s top defensive forward and was part of the team’s journey to the Stanley Cup final that same year.