I don't disagree with that at all.
But I do disagree with what Kesler is saying. If anything Canadian hockey players are just as well known, or more well known for their grit/physical game than American players. There are all kinds of Canadian NHL'ers who grew up on farms or from tiny little farming communities with blue-collar backgrounds. And there are lots of kids who probably experienced something very similar to Kesler growing up, only they were in Canada instead.
The ice skating on the pond comment by Kesler is such a cliche - you would think Kesler, having lived in Vancouver for years would know better. But then again, maybe he is just trying to troll some of us
I am a fan of Kesler's game and a Vancouver fan, but there is like no chance at all of ever playing ice hockey outside here. Living in Vancouver I grew up with tons of street hockey, roller hockey and NHL '94. Not much different than him.