Additional Information
National LeagueNational Hockey League [NHL] (mapleleafs.nhl.com,2 Oct 201)
Start of sporting careerHe grew up playing the sport and at age seven joined the Madison Capitols under coach Bob Suter, who won Olympic gold in 1980 as part of the 'Miracle on Ice' US team. (thehockeywriters.com, 15 Sep 2009)
Reason for taking up this sportHe credits Bob Suter as the main reason why he went on to play in the NHL. Suter himself says that Kessel was a big reason the Madison Capitols thought they could win every game. "They always new Phil was there and he would always come through to get a goal or two to get us back in it or to win the game, or set somebody else up to do it. He had great speed even when he was young compared to a lot of other kids and he was just a natural goal scorer." (thehockeywriters.com, 15 Sep 2009)
Most influential person in careerHis former youth coach, Bob Suter, who he credits with inspiring him to go on to play in the NHL. (thehockeywriters.com, 15 Sep 2009)
AwardsHe played in NHL All-Star games in 2010/11 and 2011/12. (forecaster.thehockeynews.com, 1 Oct 2013)
During his rookie season in the NHL he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and less than a month after having surgery he returned to the line-up. For his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey he was awarded the 2007 Bill Masterton Award, the first rookie ever to win the award. He finished the season playing in 70 games. (gophersports.com,11 Aug 2011; nhl.com, 22 Sep 2013)
He was named Rookie of the Year for the 2005/06 season at University of Minnesota. (forecaster.thehockeynews.com, 1 Oct 2013)
GeneralTORONTO CONTRACT EXTENSION
He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the first round, fifth pick overall, in the 2006 NHL draft. In September 2010 the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him on a five-year deal. Leafs general manager Brian Burke gave up two first round draft picks and a second round draft pick, as well as a large chunk of cap space, to sign him. In October 2013 he signed an eight-year contract extension worth USD$64 million which will keep him in Toronto until the 2021/22 season. (bruins.nhl.com, 12 Aug 2009)
CANCER BATTLE
In November 2006, at the age of 19, his much-anticipated rookie season was interrupted when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent successful surgery and recovered quickly due to how early the cancer was detected, his young age and his physical condition. He did not require any post-operative radiation but had to undergo regular tests. Less than a month after having surgery he returned to the line-up, which his coach and teammates said was "remarkable". He finished the season playing in 70 games. (canada.com, 10 Jan 2007; gophersports.com,11 Aug 2011; nhl.com, 22 Sep 2013)
EARLY DAYS
While playing for the Madison Capitols under coach Bob Suter, he guided the Capitols to the triple-A bantam national title game where they lost to the LA Kings. That season, 2001/02, the fourteen year old Kessel finished with 186 goals and 286 points in 86 games. This was when Suter says he knew he had a future star on his hands. The following season Kessel played for the midget triple-A version of the Madison Capitols and finished the season with 113 goals and 158 points in 71 games. After the season he turned 16 and left Madison for Ann Arbor, Michigan, to play with the US national team development programme. (thehockeywriters.com, 15 Sep 2009)
Social MediaHear more from the athlete via their
Twitter and
Facebook.