Kesler joined the Canucks in 2003 and spent time with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League and Ohio State University . After attending Canucks training camp and playing in five preseason games , Kesler was cut by the Canucks and sent to their American Hockey League ( AHL ) affiliate , the Manitoba Moose . Kesler began his first professional season with the Moose , but was recalled by the Canucks in November and made his NHL debut on November 24 , 2003 in a 2 â `` 1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs , recording one shot on goal and 12:12 of ice time .