Madison native Phil Kessel angered many in his hometown when he spurned the powerhouse Badgers and elected to skate with the University of Minnesota. He went on to win WCHA Rookie of the Year honors. He was selected by the Boston Bruins in the first round (5th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
After three seasons with Boston, he's in his first year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Honored with the Bob Johnson Award at the 2005 USA Hockey Annual Congress for excellence in international hockey competition during a specific season of play Phil is also no stranger to representing the U.S. in international competition, having played for the U.S. National Developmental Team and in many world tournaments as both a college player and adult. In 2005, he was honored with the Bob Johnson Award at the 2005 USA Hockey Annual Congress for excellence in international hockey competition during a specific season of play.
Watch the 2010 Winter Olympics on the networks of NBC
Coverage begins Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30p ET/PT with the Opening Ceremony and ends Sunday, Feb. 28.
