Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

A two-way centre from Livonia, Michigan, Kesler was the MVP of the 2002 World Under-18 Championship, where he led the Americans to gold. In the 2007-08 season he scored 21 goals and added 16 assists for the Vancouver Canucks.

CBCSports.ca: How did you get into hockey?

Kesler: "My brother Todd, who's nine years older than me, was playing hockey, so I started playing. You always want to do what your brother does. So I've had a stick in my hand since I was a baby."

CBCSports.ca: What was the first game you remember playing?

Kesler: "I don't know why I remember this, but the first game I remember, there was this kid that was two years older than me and about twice my height, and I knocked him over. I thought that was pretty cool. I was five years old."

CBCSports.ca: Who was your funniest teammate?

Kesler: "Marc Bergevin (a former Canuck who was known for his practical jokes in the locker room). I hung around him a lot. He's just one of those guys, where everything he says is funny. He was a good guy to hang around if you want to laugh."

CBCSports.ca: Where was the most memorable tournament you ever played?

Kesler: "The World Juniors in Finland, because we won gold--we beat Canada."

CBCSports.ca: Where was the coldest game you ever played?

Kesler: "It wasn't a game, but one time we practiced outdoors in Winnipeg during the lockout (for the AHL's Manitoba Moose). We had a scrimmage in the middle of winter--black sweaters against whites, and I was wearing a scarf and everything."

CBCSports.ca: Who was the most memorable hockey parent you ever met?

Kesler: "Probably Trevor Linden's dad, Laine. He's a pretty funny guy. I met him just last year and he has a pretty good sense of humour."