Challenges Faced by Ryan Kesler: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 1, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and Ryan Kesler faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Ryan Kesler is a retired American professional ice hockey center, drafted 23rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2003. He played for the Canucks for a decade before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks, where he finished his NHL career. Kesler was known as a skilled two-way forward with an aggressive, agitating playing style. His most notable achievement was winning the Selke Trophy in 2011, awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward, while also being a finalist for the award four other times.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 19, 2007: Torn Labrum Injury

On January 19, 2007, Ryan Kesler suffered a torn acetabular labrum in a game against the Buffalo Sabres and missed the remainder of the season.

April 2007: Father's Cancer Diagnosis

In April 2007, Ryan Kesler's father, Mike, was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer and underwent surgery.

March 12, 2008: Incident with Chris Pronger

On March 12, 2008, Ryan Kesler was involved in an on-ice incident when Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Ducks stomped on Kesler's calf with his skate blade.

May 24, 2011: Kesler injures hip, scores tying goal

On May 24, 2011, during the playoffs, Ryan Kesler appeared to injure his hip or groin but returned to score the game-tying goal against the San Jose Sharks, helping the Canucks advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

August 2, 2011: Canucks announce Kesler will miss start of season

On August 2, 2011, the Canucks announced that Ryan Kesler would not be ready to play until mid-October following arthroscopic surgery for a torn labrum in his hip.

February 9, 2012: Kesler tears labrum in shoulder

It was revealed that Ryan Kesler had been playing with a torn labrum in his shoulder since February 9, 2012, which occurred during a 5–2 win over the Minnesota Wild.

2012: Playoffs drought

In 2012, Ryan Kesler and the Anaheim Ducks had their last playoff appearance before entering a playoff drought.

February 15, 2014: Kesler suffers hand injury during 2014 Winter Olympics

On February 15, 2014, during a game against Russia in the 2014 Winter Olympics, Ryan Kesler suffered what appeared to be a broken hand after blocking a shot. He finished the game but missed the Canucks' first game post-Olympic break due to the injury.

December 27, 2017: Kesler's season debut after hip surgery

On December 27, 2017, Ryan Kesler made his season debut in a 4–1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, after missing the first 37 games due to hip surgery.

2018: Kesler's performance in the 2018-19 season

In the 2018-19 NHL season, Ryan Kesler played 60 games, with five goals and three assists. The Ducks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

May 2019: Kesler undergoes hip surgery

In May 2019, Ryan Kesler underwent hip resurfacing surgery and subsequently missed the entire 2019–20 season. He was also diagnosed with Crohn's disease.