Ryan Kesler, a two-time NHL All-Star with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks, pleaded not guilty to two charges of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree, according to court records revealed Monday by The Athletic.
According to Katie Strang and Sean Gentille, Kesler was charged on Oct. 23 in response to events that took place Jan. 1.
Kesler, 41, has a probable cause conference scheduled for Nov. 4, followed by a preliminary examination on Nov. 13, according to Sportsnet.
MORE: Sexual assault question prompts NHL team to revoke reporter’s credential
Kesler retired after playing the 2018-19 season in Anaheim, his 15th season in the NHL. The Michigan native debuted with Vancouver in 2003 and reached his only Stanley Cup Finals with the Canucks in 2011.
The 2011 Selke Trophy winner as the league’s most valuable defensive forward, Kesler finished his NHL career with 258 goals in 1,001 regular season games. He also represented the U.S. in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Kesler denied the allegations in a quote provided by his attorney, Robert Morad, to The Athletic.
Since retiring as a player, Kesler has generally kept a low profile. He’s coached a youth hockey team.
He made the social media rounds in July when he caught a home run hit by Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh at Detroit’s Comerica Park, then threw the ball back onto the field.
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