Ex-Gopher Kessel becomes NHL’s Ironman
Vegas Golden Knights center Phil Kessel (8) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the San Jose Sharks during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Former University of Minnesota hockey player Phil Kessel made NHL history Tuesday night by playing in his 990th consecutive game.
Kessel, 35, broke Keith Yandle’s record to become the league’s Ironman.
The former Gopher is now in his 17th NHL season and has played every game for his team since Nov. 3, 2009, when he played for Toronto.
“I was happy to get it,” Kessel told the Associated Press after the game. “It was a special night. I’m glad to get the win.”
Kessel has won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017 and now plays for the Vegas Golden Knights. He’s played more regular-season NHL games than any former Gopher and also has the most NHL points in program history, with 959. He also scored his 400th goal Tuesday night, becoming the 12th American-born player to reach the milestone.
Kessel played for the Gophers in the 2005-06 season, helping the team to a championship and No. 1 ranking. In that season, he scored 51 points (18-33=51), which ranked second on the team and helped him land WCHA Rookie of the Year honors.