Childhood and Education Journey of Phil Kessel in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Phil Kessel. From birth to education, explore key events.

Phil Kessel, nicknamed "Phil the Thrill", is an American professional ice hockey winger currently an unrestricted free agent. He's played for several NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Vegas Golden Knights. Kessel is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, winning consecutive titles with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017, and another with the Golden Knights in 2023, marking a significant achievement in his NHL career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Bob Suter Olympian

Kessel credits Bob Suter, a 1980 U.S. Olympian, for becoming the player he is today.

1981: Father Drafted by Washington Redskins

In 1981, Phil Kessel Sr., Phil Kessel's father, was drafted by the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL).

1982: Father plays for Calgary Stampeders

In 1982, Phil Kessel's father, Phil Kessel Sr., played in the CFL season with the Calgary Stampeders.

October 2, 1987: Philip Joseph Kessel Jr. born

On October 2, 1987, Philip Joseph Kessel Jr. was born. He is an American professional ice hockey winger.

Others born on this day/year

2005: Graduated from Pioneer High School

In 2005, Kessel graduated from Pioneer High School. He also enrolled at the University of Minnesota on a sports scholarship.

January 5, 2007: Assigned to Providence Bruins

On January 5, 2007, Kessel was assigned to the Providence Bruins for conditioning purposes following his cancer treatment.

2007: Brother Drafted by New York Islanders

In 2007, Phil Kessel's brother, Blake Kessel, was drafted by the New York Islanders in the sixth round of the NHL Entry Draft.

2012: Began Playing in the World Series of Poker

Since 2012, Phil Kessel has played in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) every year, entering high stakes tournaments.

January 15, 2015: Randy Carlyle Fired

On January 15, 2015, head coach Randy Carlyle was fired after the Toronto Maple Leafs lost seven of their last ten games during the 2014-2015 season.

2017: Stanley Cup Filled with Hot Dogs

In 2017, following his second Stanley Cup championship, Phil Kessel poked fun at the hot dog claim by posing with the Stanley Cup filled with hot dogs.

2018: Sister Wins Gold at Winter Olympics

In 2018, Phil Kessel's sister, Amanda Kessel, won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics representing the United States.

June 2019: WSOP Tournament Winnings Total

As of June 2019, Phil Kessel's total winnings from live World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournaments amounted to $17,022.

March 8, 2022: Attended Birth of First Child

On March 8, 2022, Phil Kessel played the first shift of the game against the Detroit Red Wings before taking a chartered flight to Arizona to be present for the birth of his first child, extending his iron man streak to 956 consecutive games.