Apologies for the lack of updates on this site over the last couple of months - I have had major PC problems. I have a TON of catch up to do on the site but this piece of news had to be posted today regardless of that.
Ryan Kesler was today named one of three - yes three - Alternate Captains for the Vancouver Canucks 2008/9 season.
Why three As? Well, that's complicated, and beyond the scope of this site :) But big congrats to Roberto!!! :)
And even bigger congratulations to Ryan
Date: 30th September 2008
Source: Canucks.com
Ryan placed 11th in the voting for the Frank Selke trophy this year - an annual award given to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game, as judged by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association
Twenty one writers placed him in the top five:
Pts. 1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th
Date: 16th June 2008
Source: James Mirtle
For your chance to win a one-of-a-kind piece of Ryan Kesler memorabilia, please check out our COMPETITION
Good luck!
Date: 6th May 2008
Ryan is currently at home in Michigan with his wife Andrea, awaiting the arrival of their baby daughter. In an interview with the Vancouver Sun on Thursday 24th April, while discussing his decision not to suit up for Team USA in the upcoming Worlds, he said that she could be here any day now:
Kesler confirmed he won't be playing for Team USA in the upcoming world championships due to his wife's advanced pregnancy. In fact, the Keslers thought the baby, a girl, was on its way Wednesday night and rushed off to hospital in what turned out to be a false alarm.
"We all got excited," said the 23-year-old Kesler. "The baby is due the first week of May but it looks like we're going to have it even earlier. I definitely made the right decision not going to the world championships because I would have been devastated if I missed the birth. Now I will get to spend three or four months with our baby girl before training camp. That will be good."
Exciting stuff - good luck Keslers!!
Date: 25th April 2008
Source: Vancouver Sun
Interviewed on Thursday 24th April, Ryan told a reporter for the Vancouver Sun that he is "pretty anxious" to meet the Canucks' new GM
"I don't know him personally and I look forward to meeting him at the right time. He is probably going to do a great job. He's a guy who knows the players and, hopefully, he'll make us a contender."
Kesler said he welcomed Gillis's assessment that the Canucks needs more abrasiveness throughout their lineup. "I think that was something our team was lacking last year, if we can improve that part, everything else will fall into place."
Date: 25th April 2008
Source: Vancouver Sun
At his first press conference, Mike Gillis, the Canucks' new General Manager, was very clear about the type of player he wants on his team.
He implied that he wouldn't be averse to trading away the Sedins, and said his priority is to acquire players with "grit, character [and] speed".
These are all certainly Kesler qualities, so does this mean that Ryan is relatively "safe"?
I guess we will have to wait and see....
Date: 24th April 2008
Source: National Post
TSN reports that, at the most recent trade deadline, Tampa Bay offered Brad Richards to the Canucks in exchange for Ryan Kesler and Alex Edler. Dave Nonis refused, instead offering them Luc Bourdon, Cory Schneider and a couple of draft picks.
This apparently put the GM at odds with the team's owner, Francesco Aquilini, and, combined with missing the playoffs, is what cost him his job.
A quote from Nonis' press conference on Wednesday would seem to support this theory: "I wouldn't trade away our best young players to save my skin".
Date: 17th April 2008
Source: TSN
During a spot on Team 1040 Radio, Ryan was asked for his reaction to the Canucks GM losing his job:
"It's shocking to me and most people. It bothers me a bit. He matched the offer sheet and brought my game to the next level. He cared tremendously about the team."
Date: 15th April 2008
Source: The Province
From Ryan's blog:
"Andrea and I will be leaving in a week or two and fly back home so she can be around family to have the baby. She’s due mid-May and can fly up until April 20th so it's better we leave earlier but I think it’ll be good for both of us to be near family when she arrives.
We’ve decided on Mackayla (not sure on spelling yet), which is the name I chose and my wife gets the middle name, Rylan. I just can’t wait to get to hold her".
Date: 10th April 2008
Source: Ryan's Blog