USA Hockey Magazine

O F F THE D R AW O ver the course of his NHL career Phil Kessel has been asked countless times for the secret to his longevity. In his eyes, there's really no secret at all. "I always say that I like to play so I try to play no matter what. And I still have fun with it," the Madison, Wis., native said. Through aches and pains, streaks and slumps, Kessel has continued to answer the bell. In fact, he hasn't taken a day off since Nov. 3, 2009, on his way to setting a new NHL ironman mark. "I've played a long time and I've had a fun time doing it. It's a lot of games," the 35-year-old winger said during a break in the action of his 990th consecutive game, passing fellow American Keith Yandle, who set the mark last season. For good measure, Kessel also scored his 400th career goal during the Vegas Golden Knights, 4-2, win over the San Jose Sharks, making him the 12th U.S- born player to reach that milestone. While Yandle's reign as the NHL iron- man lasted less than one season, Kessel shows no signs of slowing down. The way he sees it, he'll keep playing until some- one tells him he can't. "I'll play until they tell me I have to quit," he said. "I like playing so I'll try to play as long as I can." P PHOTO BY Getty Images Kessel Reaches Two Milestones On The Same Night Having His Phil NHL 2006 p U S A H O C K E Y N E W S , P E O P L E & P R O G R A M S PHIL OVER THE YEARS 6 // JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM p Leads Madison Capitols to USA Hockey 14 & Under National Championship game p Scores a tournament-high 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) at 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship p Wins back-to-back Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh Penguins p Helps U.S. win a silver medal at Vancouver Olympics p Selected by Boston Bruins in first round (5th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft p Returns to Toronto Maple Leafs lineup after offseason shoulder surgery p Skates in 990th consecutive game to break Keith Yandle's ironman mark. Also scores his 400th career goal p Tied tournament lead in scoring (eight points) at Sochi Olympics 2001 2016-2017 2010 2006 Nov. 3, 2009 Oct. 25, 2022 2014 p Sets the record for goals (52) in first year at National Team Development Program 2003-04

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