Phil Kessel, nicknamed "Phil the Thrill," is a name synonymous with skill, scoring, and, perhaps most impressively, durability in the world of professional hockey. With a career spanning multiple NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Vegas Golden Knights, Kessel has cemented his legacy as a remarkable player and an even more remarkable ironman. As of today, Kessel is an unrestricted free agent.
A Record-Breaking Career
Kessel's journey to the top echelons of the NHL began with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he quickly proved himself as an elite player under 18. His amateur career culminated in a stint with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, after which he was drafted fifth overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Beyond his offensive prowess, Kessel is celebrated for his durability and commitment to the game. Kessel holds the all-time NHL ironman record for the most consecutive games played, with 1,000+. Since October 31, 2009, Kessel hasn’t missed a game. During the 2022-23 season, Kessel passed Keith Yandle's streak as the longest in NHL history on October 25, 2022, after playing his 990th consecutive game; several weeks later, on November 17, Kessel became the first player in NHL history to play 1,000 consecutive games. Kessel's streak has spanned 1,064 consecutive games since the onset of the 2009-10 season.
Overcoming Adversity
Kessel's career hasn't been without its challenges. Shortly after his NHL debut, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Demonstrating incredible resilience, Kessel overcame the illness and was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2007.
Beyond the Stats: Kessel's Character
Stories abound about Kessel's character both on and off the ice. He is known as a humble guy who does so much for the community. He always makes his teammates and those around him smile and laugh. His teammates and coaches describe him as a unique character, one who doesn't take life too seriously but takes his job very seriously.
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The Kessel Enigma: Diet and Training
Despite his incredible achievements, Kessel's approach to diet and training has often been a topic of discussion and amusement. Unlike many modern athletes who adhere to strict nutritional plans and rigorous workout routines, Kessel's regimen has been described as unconventional.
Defying the Norms
Kessel's approach to diet and training defies conventional wisdom. He makes himself an easy target when he lists “Burritos…and ice-cream” as his favorite foods. He is undoubtedly one of the fastest skaters in the NHL and has arguably the best snapshot. Still he gets ripped on for on having the cardio of Martha Stewart in her pre prison days.
Teammates and coaches often joke about his seemingly lax approach to nutrition and cardio. He is not the typical guy you'd picture as the ironman, right? He's not talking to you about how he is gluten-free, or how he's on a super strict diet, or this super crazy training regimen. It's hard to put your finger on it.
Natural Athleticism and Strength
Despite his unconventional habits, Kessel possesses exceptional natural athleticism and strength. Some teammates recall stories of his surprising feats of strength in the gym, while others marvel at his innate skating ability. He's just got God-given strength and talent, and his genetic makeup is phenomenal and it works for him.
When he does the squat tests, he's always in the top five of every team he's on. His leg strength is great. Do you wish as a coach that he would do some more cardio every once in a while? Well, yeah. And he'll tell you, "I need my rest, I need my rest." We used to laugh about that. But he's a freak. He's a natural freak athlete.
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The "Least-Hit Guy"
One key to Kessel's durability may lie in his ability to avoid unnecessary contact on the ice. He doesn't put himself in situations where he's going to get run over by a defenseman. He doesn't play on the penalty kill. He doesn't get hit by unnecessary pucks. That helps, too. I think overall, it's his determination and his willingness to be in games no matter how the body's feeling.
Lessons from the Ironman
Phil Kessel's career offers several valuable lessons:
- Natural talent can take you far: Kessel's exceptional skill and athleticism have been instrumental to his success.
- Mental fortitude is crucial: Overcoming cancer and enduring the grind of a long NHL season requires immense mental strength.
- Don't underestimate the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks: Kessel's ability to avoid excessive physical contact has likely contributed to his longevity.
- Authenticity can be an asset: Kessel's unique personality and unapologetic approach have endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
The Evolving Landscape of Athlete Nutrition
While Kessel's approach may seem unconventional, it's worth noting that the world of athlete nutrition is constantly evolving. More and more professional athletes are turning to personalized nutrition plans and functional medicine to optimize their performance and extend their careers.
The Rise of Designer Athlete Nutrition
In today's NHL, an increasing number of players are embracing the world of designer athlete nutrition. This involves working with performance chefs and nutritionists to create customized meal plans based on individual needs and goals.
Functional Lab Work
A key component of designer athlete nutrition is advanced functional lab work, which includes blood markers, stool, urine, and genetics testing. This helps to identify specific deficiencies and sensitivities, allowing for a highly personalized approach to diet and supplementation.
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The Benefits of a Tailored Approach
Athletes who adopt a tailored nutrition plan often report feeling lighter, recovering faster, and experiencing improved energy levels. By eating the right foods, their bodies are able to adapt and perform at their best.
The Mental Edge
In addition to the physical benefits, a customized diet can also provide a mental edge. Knowing that you're fueling your body with the optimal nutrients can boost confidence and reduce anxiety, allowing you to focus on the game.
The Future of NHL Training
As the NHL continues to evolve, it's likely that more players will embrace personalized nutrition and training strategies. While Phil Kessel's unconventional approach has served him well, the trend towards data-driven, individualized programs is undeniable.