Kesler to playin World Juniors
Published on December 12, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Manitoba Moose News Release
The Vancouver Canucks, in conjunction with USA Hockey and the Manitoba Moose, today announced forward Ryan Kesler been released to join Team USA in preparation for the World Junior Hockey Championships in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, Finland.
Kesler,19, was re-assigned by the Canucks to the Manitoba Moose on December 12, 2003. He will play the next four games for the Moose before joining Team USA in New York on Thursday, December 18, 2003. The tournament begins December 26-January 5, 2004
The Livonia, MI. native played in seven games with the Canucks since being recalled on November 23, 2003. In those seven games, he recorded one goal and one assist. His first NHL point came when he assisted on Mike Keane's goal in the first period against the Montreal Canadiens on Nov. 24. He then scored his first-ever NHL goal Nov. 29 vs. the Calgary Flames.
He has appeared in 16 games so far this season with the Moose, scoring two goals and five assists for seven points and 14 PIM.
"The Manitoba Moose fully support the release of Ryan Kesler to play in the World Junior Hockey Championships," said Moose VP of Hockey Operations/General Manager Craig Heisinger. "Much like playing at the American Hockey League level, the World Junior tournament will provide Ryan with an excellent opportunity to develop his game for not only the good of the Vancouver Canucks, but also the Manitoba Moose."
Last season, Kesler participated in the 2003 IIHF World Junior Championship with Team USA and was second in team scoring with seven points.
Kesler was Vancouver's first choice, 23rd overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.
American Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2003
- Falcons Tie River Rats, 3-3 - Springfield Falcons
- Bulldogs double Barons 4-2 - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Monarchs And Grizzlies Skate To a 2-2 Tie - Manchester Monarchs
- Griffins again Fall One Game Short - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Bears Fall to Admirals, 3-1 - Hershey Bears
- Pecker scores twice in Cincinnati win over San Antonio - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- P-Bruins fall to Hartford - Providence Bruins
- Aeros win third straight 2-1 over Griffs - Houston Aeros
- Phantoms lose 4-1 to Bridgeport - Adirondack Phantoms
- Sound Tigers Unbeaten In Regulation In 20 - Bridgeport Islanders
- Kings Recall Hnilicka; Monarchs Recall Chouinard - Manchester Monarchs
- Stanley Cup to Tour Albany - Albany River Rats
- Sound Tigers To Introduce Third Jersey Tomorrow - Bridgeport Islanders
- River Rats to Aid Needy Families - Albany River Rats
- Bears Back in Norfolk to Take on the Admirals - Hershey Bears
- 200 Tickets Still Available for Tonight's Game - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Cincinnati Mighty Ducks Preview - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Moose Re-Assign Burrows to Inferno - Manitoba Moose
- Kesler to playin World Juniors - Manitoba Moose
- Canucks Re-Assign Kesler to Moose - Manitoba Moose
- 2004 Pepsi AHL All-Star Classic - Hamilton Bulldogs
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Aeros Game Day - Houston Aeros
- Pirates Recall Two For Weekend - Portland Pirates
- 'Hawks Recall Henry, Admirals Recall Balan - Norfolk Admirals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Manitoba Moose Stories
- Claude Noel Named Head Coach of Winnipeg NHL Team
- TNSE Launches "Drive to 13,000" to Secure NHL Franchise in Winnipeg
- Canucks Recall Chris Tanev, Eddie Lack, Sergei Shirokov, Aaron Volpatti and Alex Bolduc
- Moose Eliminated by Bulldogs in Triple Overtime
- Moose Won't Back Down
