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Former NHL star Ryan Kesler has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct, according to reports.
Court records showed that Kesler, 41, was arraigned on Monday in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills and later pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The charges were filed against the former Vancouver Canucks star on October 23rd, in regard to events that occurred on January 1st, according to the records.
There is little known about the details of the charges. The ex-NHL star will next appear in court for a probable cause conference on November 6th.
Meanwhile, according to The Athletic, Police in Orchard, Michigan confirmed that Kesler was booked and posted $50,000 bond.
Speaking to the same outlet, Kesler's attorney, Robert Morad, said: 'Ryan emphatically denies the allegations and is completely innocent of the charges. The charges are baseless and he is prepared to fight them vigorously in court.
Ryan Kesler has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of criminal sexual conduct
Kesler (front, right) was part of the US Olympic teams during the 2010 and 2014 Games, as well as spending 15 seasons in the NHL with the Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks
The 41-year-old has four kids and is married to wife, Andrea
'As the legal process begins, we ask for respect for his privacy and for the integrity of the judicial system. We are confident, when all the facts and circumstances are presented, that he will be fully exonerated.'
The 41-year-old spent 15 seasons in the NHL, with ten of those spent with the Vancouver Canucks and five with the Anaheim Ducks in the latter stages of his career.
He eventually retired after the 2018-19 season, having played over 1,000 games in the NHL, scoring 258 goals and recorded 573 points.
Along with a successful career in the NHL, Kesler was also a member of the 2010 and 2014 U.S Olympic squads and won silver in with the American team in 2010.
Kesler is currently listed as a coach for the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club 15O Bantam Midget team.
A post on social media suggested that Kesler was present for the team's game against the Minuteman Flames 15s on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, away from the ice, Kesler is father to four children and is married to wife Andrea, according to his Instagram.
