Vancouver Canucks: Kevin Bieksa Loved, Ryan Kesler Hated

In a 2-1 OT win over the Anaheim Ducks, the Vancouver Canucks had two former players returning to Rogers Arena. For Kevin Bieksa, it was a pleasant experience. For Ryan Kesler, not so much.

Kevin Bieksa and Ryan Kesler — two names Vancouver Canucks fans are very familiar with. Both players got drafted by the Canucks, they both spent 10 seasons with the club, and they both donned the Canucks blue and green in over 600 games. But yet, the reactions to them returning to Rogers Arena were very different.

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Kesler is in his second season with the Anaheim Ducks, so his first return to Vancouver already happened a while ago. It was November 20, 2014, when Kesler walked past the Canucks locker room and into that of the visiting team for the first time. At the time, he had no clue if it would be cheers or jeers for him when he steps on the ice to face the Canucks for the first time in his life. It was the latter.

This time around, it was Bieksa’s first, and Kesler was already used to the boos. Bieksa’s experience, however, was so very different.

For the 34-year-old defenceman, it was one of cheers and standing ovations along with a tribute video that showed how much respect the organization has for him. In a first-period interview he thanked the fans for their support. Vancouver loves Bieksa, Bieksa loves Vancouver. He always will — he did not want to leave.

So what is the difference between Kesler and Bieksa? Why do fans seem to hate a player who was a fan favourite for so many years, one who was deemed captain material if it had not been for the Sedins?

Well, to make it short, Kesler wanted out, Bieksa was shipped out involuntarily, as mentioned above. When things started to go downhill in Vancouver, Kesler had enough. He pressured the club into trading him and eventually got what he wanted.

Then there is the fact that Kesler is the type of player you love to have on your team and love to hate when he plays against you. Back in his prime years, Kesler could record 75 points along with 104 penalty minutes.

But when Kesler comes to Vancouver and gets booed literally every time he touches the puck, it might be too much. It is like Canucks fans are the bitter girlfriend that cannot get over a breakup. Kesler spent 10 years with this club and was an outstanding player for the Canucks — he deserves some respect.

Then again, he does stuff like this (which the Canucks luckily had a great response to).

Kesler is a polarizing player, one who probably would have wanted to rub that goal into everyone’s faces either way. But the fans booing him was likely a contributing factor as well. Action and reaction.

Next: 5 Canucks New Year's Resolutions

For fans in Vancouver, Kevin Bieksa will always be a hero. For fans in Vancouver, there is no difference between Ryan Kesler and Brad Marchand.