The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association Suspends Ex-NHL Player Ryan Kesler As A Youth Hockey Coach
MAHA president Tom Berry said Ex-NHL Player Ryan Kesler has been “summarily suspended” from MAHA and USA Hockey.
USA Hockey is the governing body for organized hockey in the U.S. It also which sanctions MAHA.
Prosecutors have charged Ryan Kesler with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in a Bloomfield Hills court.
A criminal complaint alleges that Kesler engaged in sexual contact with a 16-year-old child “through force or coercion and/or (had) reason to know the victim was physically helpless.”
An Oakland County judge arraigned Kesler Monday on two misdemeanor counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree. Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct is punishable by a maximum of two years imprisonment and a $500 fine for each count.
However, MAHA President Tom Berry said he was not aware of details about the allegations.
Kesler had coached the 15U bantam midget team. 15U bantam midget team is part of the Little Caesars AAA hockey program. The Little Ceasars AAA hockey prograsm also falls under MAHA’s jurisdiction. On Monday, Little Caesars AAA hockey program still had Kesler listed as a coach on the program’s website. However, the program removed his name as of Tuesday.
Little Caesars program director Brian Rolston did not return messages seeking comment.
Kesler played 15 seasons in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks.
The Orchard Lake Police Department said also stated that the charges stem from an incident reported to authorities on Jan. 2.
The Orchard Lake Police Department told the media:
Police released Kesler released from custody after he posted a $50,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty to both counts.
His attorney, Robert Morad, has said in a statement that Kesler is “completely innocent of the charges.”
Police said the court has sceduled a probable cause conference for Kesler on November 6th.
