Ryan Kesler was born August 31, 1984 in Lovonia, Michigan. The first round, 23rd overall selection of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Kesler is a graduate of the US National Junior Program.
In the fall of 2002 Kesler enrolled at Ohio State University where in his freshman year tallied 31 points (11-20-31) before opting to turn professional in 2003-04. After only one season at Ohio State, the Lovonia, Michigan native split his first professional season with the Canucks and their AHL affiliate in Manitoba.
In 2005-06 Kesler, became a mainstay in the Canucks line-up appearing in 82 games with the club tallying 23 points.
With the Canucks Kesler emerged as one of the NHL's most complete centres. His tenacious play, attention to defensive responsibility and offensive production made him one of the toughest players in the league to play against. For his efforts, following the 2008-09 season, he was nominated for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
In February of 2010, Kesler was part of the US Olympic team that brought home the silver medal in a thrilling overtime final at the Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
The 2010-11 season would be a good one for Kesler. For the first time in his career he reached the 40-goal mark, finishing the season with 41. His defensive play continued to impress as well. He was finally able to break the three-year-long stranglehold Pavel Datsyuk had on the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward. Kesler finished the season with a +24 rating and was an impressive 57% on face-offs. His 41 goals are the most ever by a Selke Trophy winner.
