Phil Kessel

Philip Joseph Kessel Jr., known professionally as Phil Kessel, is an American ice hockey winger currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. Drafted as the 5th overall pick by the Boston Bruins in the 2006 NHL Draft, he later joined the Toronto Maple Leafs for six years before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015. Kessel played a key role in helping the Penguins secure Stanley Cup Championships in both 2016 and 2017. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities, he holds the record for the most career goals in the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Notably, Kessel overcame testicular cancer during his rookie season and was honored with the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. He has achieved a remarkable feat by setting the all-time NHL Ironman record for the most consecutive games played, surpassing 1,000 games during the 2020-2021 season, making him the fifth player ever to achieve this milestone. On October 25, 2022, Kessel surpassed Keith Yandle's streak and became the player with the longest consecutive games played streak in NHL history. Later, on November 17, 2022, he became the first player in NHL history to reach 1,000 consecutive games played. Kessel has represented the United States in international competitions, including three World Championships and the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, where he earned a silver medal and was named the top forward in 2014. As a three-time Stanley Cup champion, Kessel won back-to-back championships with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017 and secured another championship with the Golden Knights in 2023. Additionally, he played in all 82 regular-season games for the Golden Knights and started the team's first-round 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Winnipeg Jets.

Phil Kessel's Early Life and Background

Phil Kessel, whose real name is Philip Joseph Kessel Jr., was born on October 2, 1987, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. He holds American nationality and identifies as white ethnically. He follows the Christian religion and his race is white. At 35 years old, he celebrates his birthday on October 2 and belongs to the zodiac sign Libra. Kessel's father, Phil Kessel Sr., had a football career as a college quarterback at Northern Michigan University and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the NFL. However, his father's football career was cut short due to injuries. Kessel's mother is named Kathy Kessel. He has a brother named Blake, who was drafted by the New York Islanders in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and last played for the Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL. His sister, Amanda, is also involved in hockey. She currently plays in the National Women's Hockey League and has represented the United States, winning a gold medal during the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics.

In terms of Phil's educational background, he completed his high school education at Pioneer High School in 2005. Unfortunately, due to his birthday falling after September 15, he was ineligible for the NHL Entry Draft that took place that year. Following his two years at NTDP (National Team Development Program), Kessel pursued higher education by enrolling at the University of Minnesota on a sports scholarship. During the 2005-2006 season, he showcased his skills as a member of the Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team.

Phil Kessel career 

• Phil Kessel initiated his hockey journey by joining the AAA Madison Capitols in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. Demonstrating exceptional offensive skills from a young age, Kessel tallied an impressive total of 286 points (176 goals and 110 assists) in 86 games during the 2001-2002 season with his AAA bantam squad.
• He continued his remarkable performance the following year with the Capitols under-18 team, amassing 158 points (113 goals and 45 assists) in 71 games in the 2002-2003 season. Kessel attributes his development as a player to his former coach, Bob Suter, who was also a 1980 U.S. Olympian.
• In 2003-2004, he made a move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to join the United States National Team Development Program's U17 squad. There, he set records for goals scored by a U17-18 player with 52. He played full-time on the U18 team during the 2004-2005 season and recorded 52 goals and 98 points, both of which were records for a U18 player at the time. However, his points record was later surpassed by Patrick Kane. In 2019, Cole Caufield surpassed Kessel's career goals record from 2003-2005 for the NTDP lead.
• After graduating from Pioneer High School in 2005, Kessel was ineligible for the NHL Entry Draft that year due to his birthday falling after September 15. Instead, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota on a sports scholarship and played for the Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team in the 2005-2006 season. He had a notable rookie season, finishing second in team scoring with 51 points (18 goals and 33 assists) in 39 games. He received the 2005-2006 WCHA Rookie of the Year award and was named to the 2005-2006 All-Rookie Team.
• In the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Kessel was chosen as the fifth overall pick by the Boston Bruins. He signed an entry-level contract with the team on August 17, 2006, foregoing his remaining college eligibility. His career with the Bruins lasted from 2006 to 2009, during which he achieved various milestones and accolades, including being named the recipient of the 2007 Masterton Trophy.
• On September 18, 2009, Kessel was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for draft picks. He signed a five-year, $27 million contract with the Leafs. Kessel made his debut as a Maple Leaf on November 3, 2009, and scored his first goal shortly after. He had a notable rivalry game against his former team, the Bruins, on December 5, 2009, but expressed that the fans' reaction did not affect him personally.
• Kessel represented Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in the latter. He continued to excel with the Maple Leafs, posting multiple 30-goal seasons and being recognized as one of the top scorers in the league. In October 2013, Kessel signed an eight-year, $64 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs, becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history at the time.
• On 1st July 2015, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Kessel to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a rebuilding phase. Kessel joined the Penguins from 2015 to 2019, contributing to the team's success, including winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017.
• During the 2017-2018 season, he achieved his career-high of 92 points, placing him eighth in the NHL. Additionally, he achieved a new personal best with 58 assists in that season.
• In the third game of the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2018-2019 season on October 11, 2018, Kessel scored his sixth career hat-trick, marking his first natural hat-trick and his first as a Penguin. From February 1 to March 5, 2019, Kessel experienced a goal drought of 16 games but still managed to contribute with 11 assists, which was the longest period without a goal in his entire career.
• On March 19, 2019, he broke the Penguins' record by playing in his 320th consecutive game, surpassing Craig Adams. By the end of the regular season, he ranked second in points for the Penguins and led the league with 10 game-winning goals.
• Kessel and the Penguins were swept by the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, marking Kessel's last postseason appearance with the Penguins. Despite the team's loss, Kessel scored a goal and provided an assist during the four-game series.
• On June 29, 2019, he was traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Arizona Coyotes, alongside Dane Birks and a fourth-round pick, in exchange for Alex Galchenyuk and Pierre-Olivier Joseph. He reached a milestone on October 12, 2019, playing his 1,000th career NHL game. During a game against the San Jose Sharks on May 7, 2021, Kessel scored his 900th point in the NHL, netting a breakaway goal.
• Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed to maintain his streak of consecutive games played, reaching 956 games. On March 8, 2022, he participated in the first shift of a road game against the Detroit Red Wings before leaving to return to Arizona for the birth of his first child, taking a special chartered flight. Initially planning to play the entire game, he received encouragement from coach André Tourigny to depart earlier. 
• After being present for the birth of his daughter Kapri, he rejoined the Coyotes less than 48 hours later for a game against his former team, the Maple Leafs, and contributed with an assist in a 5-4 victory. Kessel's gesture was praised by his teammate Jakob Chychrun and acknowledged by Maple Leaf's star forward Auston Matthews.
• On April 2, 2022, Philadelphia Flyers coach Mike Yeo decided to scratch Keith Yandle from the lineup, which ended his record-breaking streak of 989 consecutive games played. As a result, Kessel became the player with the longest active streak.
• On August 24, 2022, he inked a one-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights worth $1.5 million. Since his preferred jersey number, 81, was already taken by Jonathan Marchessault, Kessel decided to wear the number 8 for the first time in his NHL career. On October 24, 2022, Kessel played his 989th consecutive NHL game, matching Yandle's iron man streak. He appeared to score his 400th goal in that game, but it was disallowed due to an offside challenge. 
• Nonetheless, he did contribute with an assist. Regarding the disallowed goal, Kessel commented, "It is what it is. We scored right after, so it didn't matter." The following night, Kessel officially surpassed Yandle, playing his 990th consecutive game and scoring his 400th goal. Then, on November 17, 2022, Kessel became the first player in league history to reach 1,000 consecutive games played as the Golden Knights defeated his former team, the Coyotes, with a score of 4-1.
• He participated in all 82 regular season games for the Golden Knights and started in the team's first-round series of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets. However, due to a perceived decline in his on-ice performance, coach Bruce Cassidy chose to scratch him for Game 5.
• This marked the first game Kessel had missed since October 31, 2009, encompassing both the regular season and playoffs. However, his official iron man streak remained intact since it only counted regular season games. Kessel had not missed a playoff game since April 15, 2008, when he played for the Bruins.  
• His unofficial streak of consecutive games played, combining regular season and playoffs, totaled 1,149 games. Coach Cassidy commended Kessel as "a fantastic teammate" during the Golden Knights' deep run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, acknowledging his contribution to team morale. Despite being scratched for most of the playoffs, Kessel's name will still be engraved on the Stanley Cup, and he will receive a championship ring.

International Career

• Kessel made his debut representing the United States in international competition with the under-17 National Team Development Program at the 2004 World U17 Hockey Challenge, where his team finished in fourth place. He had an impressive performance, ranking fourth in overall points (10) and second in goals (6) throughout the tournament.
• Later in the same year, Kessel played as an underage player at the IIHF World U18 Championship, where the U.S. team claimed the silver medal. He stood out with ten points (seven goals and three assists) in six games, leading the tournament in goals and earning a spot on the tournament's all-star team. 
• During the 2004-2005 season with the NTDP, Kessel represented Team USA at the IIHF U20 World Championship held in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The team finished fourth, and Kessel contributed with four goals and two assists in seven games.
• In 2005, Kessel once again participated in the World U18 Championship and this time emerged as a gold medalist. He had an outstanding performance, tallying nine goals and seven assists for a total of 16 points in six games. Kessel led the tournament in all offensive categories and was honored as the tournament's best forward, earning a spot on the tournament's All-Star Team as well. 
• He continued his international journey by playing in the 2006 World Junior Championship, where the U.S. team finished fourth for the second consecutive year. Kessel showcased his skills and led the tournament in both points (11) and assists (10). 
• His senior international debut took place in 2006 at the 2006 IIHF World Championship in Riga, where he represented the United States. Throughout seven games, he contributed one goal and one assist, helping the U.S. secure a seventh-place finish.
• The following year, after his rookie season with the Boston team, Kessel participated in the 2007 IIHF World Championship held in Moscow. The United States finished in fifth place, and Kessel notably improved his performance from the previous championship by scoring two goals and providing five assists across seven games.
• During the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Kessel joined the United States men's national hockey team. The team earned a silver medal in the tournament, and Kessel personally contributed a goal and an assist in six games.
• In 2014, shortly after the conclusion of the 2014 Winter Classic, Kessel was selected for the 2014 Olympic Team and represented the United States in the Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia. Although the U.S. did not medal, Kessel achieved remarkable success individually, scoring five goals and providing three assists in six games. He led the tournament in points (8), received the title of best forward, and was named to the All-Star Team.
• Despite an impressive performance in the playoffs, where he scored 10 goals and accumulated 22 points, Kessel was not chosen to represent the United States in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
• Following Team USA's elimination after a 4-2 loss to Team Canada, Kessel tweeted a message implying his disappointment, which was perceived by some members of the team as a dig. Kessel later clarified that his comments were not intended as disrespect towards anyone.

Awards and Achievements

• WCHA Rookie of the Year - 2006
• All-WCHA Rookie Team - 2006
• MacNaughton Cup - 2006
• NHL YoungStars Game-2007
• Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy - 2007
• All-Star Game - 2011, 2012, 2015
• Stanley Cup champion - 2016, 2017, 2023
• Bob Johnson Award - 2005  
• Olympic All-Star Team - 2014  
• Olympic Best Forward - 2014
• Molson Cup - 2010, 2011, 2012

Phil Kessel Girlfriend: Relationship and Dating

Phil Kessel, an unmarried man, is currently in a relationship with Sandra Pereira. Their romantic journey began in 2015, and their love has continued to flourish over the years. Sandra Pereira, Kessel's longtime girlfriend, gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Kapri Mary Kessel, on March 9, 2022. The deep love and strong bond between them have played a significant role in keeping them together for this extended period. Their understanding of each other has fostered a strong connection. It is evident that the couple is enjoying their time together, which indicates their commitment and loyalty to each other, as they have no involvement with other individuals romantically. Apart from their relationship, Phil and Sandra share a common interest in fishing and have a fondness for coordinating Halloween costumes. As for Phil's sexual orientation, he identifies as straight.

Phil Kessel's Net Worth and Salary

Phil Kessel's net worth stands at $14 million as of 2023, and he earns an average salary of approximately $1,500,000 per year. In addition to his successful ice hockey career, Kessel has been an active participant in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) since 2012. He has taken part in high-stakes tournaments with entry fees reaching as high as $25,000. As of June 2019, Kessel has accumulated $17,022 in live tournament winnings, having cashed in six different WSOP events. Notably, Kessel shares a close friendship with professional poker player Daniel Negreanu, who himself has earned nearly $40 million in live poker tournament winnings. Aside from poker, Kessel has also garnered income through endorsement deals, contributing to his overall financial success.

How tall is Phil Kessel?

Phil Kessel possesses a striking appearance with a height of 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) and a well-proportioned weight of 208 lb (94 kg; 14 st 12 lb). His attractive features include light brown hair and captivating dark brown eyes. Kessel's physique is characterized by an athletic body build, reflecting his commitment to physical fitness. Moreover, his ethical background is probably one of the reasons for his bold and extremely attractive personality.