Sportsnet had a chance to sit down Ryan Kesler at the Ducks practice facility in Anaheim on Saturday morning to talk about the upcoming game against his former team. You can certainly tell Kesler is certainly happy in Orange County. Here are some excerpts from the interview
On why he thinks it was the right time to move on
Talking with my agent and Jim [Benning] and Trevor [Linden] I just came to the understanding that it was time to go. Other than that I think it’s a private conversation for details and stuff like that. I was stuck in a rut and 11 years in a city is a long time. If you asked me I thought I would retire as a Canuck and obviously that didn’t happen and a new chapter is starting and I’m excited for this opportunity.
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On the move to Anaheim
It’s a new chapter. I’m extremely excited about it. But saying that you miss your teammates, your old teammates and friends. Kevin [Bieksa], Alex [Burrows], and the Sedins. You play with them for 11 years and you grow bonds with them and that’s probably the biggest thing I’m going to miss. This chapter I’m growing new bonds with my teammates and we’re a pretty good team so it’s pretty exciting to come to the rink everyday and succeed.
On burying the hatchet with Getzlaf and Perry
We got that out of the way quickly. Laughed about it and joked about it. They are great guys. I couldn’t say that six months ago but they are really good guys.
On who opponents are going to hate more, him or Perry
Going toe-t0-toe for that title.
On Vancouver
It’s a part of my family. It’s a part of my life. It will always be a part of my life. My son was born there, my daughter has friends there. There is a part of me that will always love that city and after I’m done I’m sure I’ll go back there all the time.
On his reputation for being grumpy in Vancouver
Obviously they see me as a grumpy old guy. My teammates they know I like to joke around. Maybe not so much around you guys in Vancouver or even here. I like to have my business face because at the end of the day it’s my job and I take my job seriously.
On the report about Vancouver media from the Orange County Register
I think some guys reported stuff that didn’t need to be reported. Maybe not make up stories but did stories that didn’t need to be written. Mainly everyone has treated me well and I can’t complain about that.
On which Canucks player will be in his face on Sunday night
I’m pretty sure me and “Juice” (Bieksa) are going to get in a scuffle or two. He was already texting me about my Ohio State days and him being with Bowling Green. He thinks he dominated me but I don’t ever remember losing a game. We’re all friends off the ice. I think the way I play and the way they play were all competitive and once that gets on the ice anything can happen.
