by Detroit, Michigan — Former NHL player Ryan Kesler, a Metro Detroit native, has been suspended from his coaching duties with the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) following sex crime allegations filed in Oakland County.
Immediate Suspension
MAHA President Tom Berry confirmed Tuesday that Kesler, 41, has been “summarily suspended” from both MAHA and USA Hockey, the national governing body for the sport. Berry cited the “seriousness of the allegations” as the reason for the suspension.
Kesler had been coaching the 15U bantam midget team in the Little Caesars AAA hockey program, which operates under MAHA. His name, which appeared on the team’s website on Monday, was removed by Tuesday.
Details of the Charges
Court records show that Kesler was arraigned Monday in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills on two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a misdemeanor under Michigan law.
Each count carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $500 fine.
According to the Orchard Lake Police Department, the charges stem from an incident reported on January 2. Authorities declined to release additional details to “protect the integrity of the legal process.”
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Kesler has pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released after posting a $5,000 bond. His attorney, Robert Morad, said in a statement that Kesler is “completely innocent of the charges” and intends to “fight them vigorously in court.”
Kesler is expected to return to court on November 6 for a probable cause conference.
From NHL Veteran to Coach
A native of Livonia, Michigan, Kesler played 15 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. Known for his gritty two-way play, he was a Selke Trophy winner and a key member of Team USA’s silver medal-winning roster at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Now, as legal proceedings unfold, his future in amateur hockey remains uncertain.
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