University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Profile: Freshman Amanda Kessel
9/3/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Bio
Member of both the United States Under-22 Team and Under-18 Team • With the U.S. Under-18 in 2009, was named the tournament’s most valuable forward when she scored six goals and 13 assists for 19 points to lead Team USA to a gold medal • In the 2008 World Championships, played in five games with Team USA and tallied 11 points, ranking third among all players in scoring • Tallied 122 points in her final season at Shattuck St. Mary’s, the leader of the team in point by 61 • Scored 67 goals and 55 assists in just 46 games played her senior year • As a junior with SSM scored 44 goals and 56 assists for 100 points in just 34 games played en route to a U-19 national championship • Was a member of SSM that won the 2007 U-19 national championship, a season in which she had 102 points in 56 games• Played for the Madison Capitols Bantam boys’ team in 2005-06 and helped the team to state and regional championships.
Personal
A 2010 graduate of Shattuck St. Mary’s • Born August 28, 1991 • Daughter of Phil and Kathy Kessel • Third sibling to play college hockey • Brother, Phil, played for Minnesota in 2005-06, while younger brother, Blake, is currently a defenseman at New Hampshire • Undecided on a major • Shoots right.
Gophersports.com: You had a successful couple years at Shattuck St. Mary’s. What can you take away from that experience and how will it help you prepare for collegiate hockey?
Amanda Kessel: Attending Shattuck has been one of the best choices I have made in my life thus far. I had great coaching there for four years, and was able to play with other skilled players. Shattuck helped me develop my game and help with the success I had there. Gordon Stafford was my coach for four years, and he helped me tremendously. Also, we played good competition, and I think those two things will help me a lot going into college.
GS: You and Jen Schoullis were teammates at SSM and will again be teammates in college. Was it part of your consideration to come here?
AK: No, she did not impact my decision because I had a lot more to look at with schools then just the people, but obviously it will be awesome to have a good friend and past teammate to play with again.
GS: You recently played with the United States Under-22 Team. What was the best part about your experience and why?
AK: The cohesiveness of the team was great. It was a fun time with the girls, but I am a competitive person and going 0-3 was not fun.
GS: Your brother, Phil, played here for a year. What advice has he given you about playing here at Minnesota?
AK: I know he enjoyed his time at Minnesota, but no matter where I play he always just tells me to have fun.
GS: We’re getting closer and closer to the season. What is something you’re most looking forward to?
AK: I can't wait for games to start! I just love games, and want to get going right away.
GS: When you're done with your Gopher hockey career, what would you like to have accomplished, both individually and as a team?
AK: I hope to take away life long friends, and have good experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. I want to win national championships, and have a big impact on my teams doing that.
