Former NHL center Ryan Kesler will stand trial after a judge ruled that his criminal sexual conduct case will move forward. The 41-year-old was charged in October with two misdemeanor counts involving a 16-year-old girl who was a friend of his daughter.

The charges stem from an alleged incident that took place on January 1 in Orchard Lake, Michigan. Prosecutors claim Kesler engaged in sexual contact via force or coercion, or at least knew the victim was physically helpless. The 41-year-old was released on $50,000 bond. Kesler has pleaded not guilty.

According to The Athletic, prosecutors argued that Kesler engaged in sexual contact with the minor and said there was enough evidence to send the case to trial. The judge agreed, determining that probable cause had been established.

Ryan Kes

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