Phil Kessel Biography, Wife, Sister, Cancer, Height

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<p>Phil Kessel is an American professional <a href="/biography/phil-kessel">ice hockey player</a> who most recently played for the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). A standout in his youth, Kessel holds the all-time record for goals (104) with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.</p>

<h2>Early Life and Family Background</h2>

<p>Philip Joseph Kessel Jr. was born on October 2, 1987, in Madison, Wisconsin. From a young age, Kessel demonstrated exceptional athletic ability paired with a quiet, determined demeanor. He invested countless hours in honing his skills, often prioritizing practice over social interaction.</p>

<p>Phil’s disciplined, focused approach to sports mirrored that of his father, <a href="/biography/phil-kessel">Phil Kessel Sr.</a> His <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blake_Kessel">brother</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blake_Kessel">Blake Kessel</a>, noted the striking similarities between their father and Phil in an interview with <em>The Globe and Mail</em>: “They’re extremely similar. They’re quiet people, and people misunderstand that sometimes, but those two have been really close. They are kind of the same person—it’s scary sometimes.” <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colby_Armstrong">Teammate</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colby_Armstrong">Colby Armstrong</a> echoed the sentiment: “It’s crazy. They’re really kind of the same guy. It was cool to go for dinner with both of them; it was like sitting next to twins.”</p>

<p><a href="/biography/phil-kessel">Phil Kessel Sr.</a> played as a quarterback at Northern Michigan University and was selected in the 10th round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Though his NFL career was brief, he found personal fulfillment in reaching the league and eventually returned to Wisconsin to raise his family.</p>

<h2>Phil Kessel’s Collegiate and Early Professional Career</h2>

<p>Kessel emerged as a top prospect during his time with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and later while playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota. In his freshman year, he tallied 51 points in 39 games and finished sixth in NCAA scoring—a significant accomplishment for a newcomer to Division I hockey.</p>

<p>Despite his strong performance, Kessel’s draft stock dipped slightly before the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Concerns arose over his perceived social awkwardness and lack of polish in interviews, traits that led some scouts to question his maturity. As one senior scout stated, “We weren’t sure about him. He was a little immature… he didn’t seem like a very likable person. I’m not sure about that, but that was the knock against him then.”</p>

<p>Ultimately, Kessel was drafted fifth overall by the Boston Bruins in 2006. While he did not go first overall as some had predicted earlier in his career, he quickly began to prove himself on the professional stage.</p>

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<h2>Phil Kessel and His NHL Success</h2>

<p>Following his tenure with the Bruins, Kessel was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he solidified his reputation as an elite goal scorer. Later, a high-profile trade sent him to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he became a crucial component in their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. He subsequently joined the Arizona Coyotes and later the Vegas Golden Knights, contributing veteran leadership and offensive depth throughout his NHL journey.</p>

<p>Kessel’s consistency and resilience have been noteworthy. He became known for his durability, holding the NHL’s Ironman streak for the most consecutive games played—a testament to his physical and mental toughness. His career serves as an example of long-term excellence in professional ice hockey.</p>

<h2>Personal Life and Off-Ice Interests</h2>

<p>Kessel lived in Toronto and later in Pittsburgh with his long-time girlfriend Brittany, who is also from Madison, Wisconsin. Their shared roots made the transition between teams smoother, and Brittany’s support was a constant in his life off the ice.</p>

<p>Off the rink, Kessel enjoys golf, table tennis, and playing poker—activities that reflect his competitive spirit in a more relaxed environment. Despite being perceived by fans and media as quiet or reserved, Kessel is described by teammates as approachable, humorous, and loyal. Former teammate <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colby_Armstrong">Colby Armstrong</a> summarized this side of Kessel, saying, “He’s a real easygoing, good-hearted guy. He’s a simple <a href="/biography/phil-kessel">guy</a>: What you see is what you get. I know he comes across as a quiet, shy guy, but when he’s around us, he’s just a regular <a href="/biography/phil-kessel">guy</a>.”</p>

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