Ryan Kesler was born in Livonia, Mich., where his parents still live.
Kesler's parents introduced him to the ice at a very young age, and he took to it immediately.
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His father, Mike, played college hockey, coaches a junior hockey team and runs a hockey school.
Ryan went on to play hockey at Ohio State University before being picked 23rd overall in 2003 by the Vancouver Canucks.
- Played in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final as a member of the Vancouver Canucks, who drafted him in the first round of the 2003 NHL Draft.
- Played in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game for the Canucks, and in the 2005 AHL All-Star Game playing for the Canucks' then top minor-league affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.
- Won the 2011 Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.
- Won an Olympic silver medal in 2010.
Competition dates:
2/13 USA V. SVK
2/15 USA V. RUS
2/16 USA V. SLOV
2/18 PLAYOFFS
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