Ryan Kesler, previously a centre for the Vancouver Canucks, is facing two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in the state of Michigan.
Official court documents indicate that Kesler, who is 41 years old, attended an arraignment through Zoom on Monday in the Bloomfield Hills District Court. During the arraignment, he entered a plea of not guilty to both of the misdemeanor charges.
The purported offences are said to have taken place on January 1 in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
A bond was established at $50,000 US, requiring a 10 percent deposit. Kesler received an order stating that he must remain within Michigan unless given court authorization to leave. Additionally, he is required to attend all scheduled court proceedings.
A conference to establish probable cause is scheduled for November 6, which will be followed by a preliminary examination on November 13.
Originally from Livonia, Michigan, he played for the Vancouver Canucks between 2003 and 2014, after which he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. He remained with the Ducks until he retired from professional hockey in 2019.
He also participated as a member of the United States Olympic teams in both 2010 and 2014.
The one-time Canucks standout was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2011, recognizing him as the NHL’s best defensive forward. He also played a key role in Vancouver’s journey to the Stanley Cup final in that same year.
