University of Minnesota Athletics
Kessel Hungry for More
2/25/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Feb. 25, 2016
By Hannah Barnes, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - Senior Amanda Kessel settled back in and found her place with the Golden Gophers almost immediately upon her return to the ice.
The two-time All-American, 2014 Olympian, and 2013 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner has skated alongside fellow senior Hannah Brandt, who also was her linemate during the Gophers' unbeaten season in 2012-13 when the duo combined for 183 points.
"Hannah's one of my favorite people that I've ever played with," Kessel said. "To get back playing was awesome, but then to know that I was going to get another change to play with Hannah, I was even more happy. She's a great player."
Brandt echoed Kessel's sentiments, relishing the chance to once again play alongside her representing the Maroon & Gold.
"It was pretty easy to get back playing with Amanda," Brandt said. "She's the easiest person to play with, probably in the world, so it was pretty easy for me. I don't know if she could say the same thing, but it's a lot of fun."
Despite a nearly three-year absence from college hockey, Kessel has picked up right where she left off and averages 1.00 points per game with three goals and three assists for six points this season.
"I think individually I'm more confident," Kessel said. "Just getting my game back every single game. I feel like I've improved every single game."
Kessel has helped the Gophers claim the number two spot in the national rankings after securing a sweep over rival Wisconsin at home to wrap up the regular season last weekend. During the series, Kessel scored her 100th career goal with the Gophers in the team's 4-0 victory on Feb. 19.
Kessel believes the team's momentum could not come at a better time as the Gophers begin the postseason and look forward to defending their national title over the next few weeks.
"It's just exciting, a big time for our team," Kessel said. "It's just great timing that playoffs are coming up."
Kessel historically has been a difference-maker for Minnesota in the postseason, combining for 12 points (six goals, six assists) in six games over her last two NCAA postseasons -- most recently tallying four points with two goals and two assists in the Gophers' 6-3 win over Boston University in the 2013 NCAA Championship game.
"Knowing that it's her last postseason with the Gophers I'm sure is a great inspiration for her," Gopher women's hockey head coach Brad Frost said. "She's just continued to get better and better each week. This past weekend was the first time I've seen her getting really close to where she was before with her competitiveness and her drive to do some great things. I'd imagine she will want to try and make this one as memorable as her last one in 2013."
Despite having incredible success on a personal level throughout her career, Kessel maintains focus on helping the team achieve its goals. She believes that the 2016 Gophers have what it takes to be successful in both the WCHA playoffs and the NCAA national tournament.
"To win championships you need two or three lines that are scoring, otherwise you're not really going to get the job done," Kessel said. "As a team we're just excited."
Kessel is motivated to end her senior season on a win, going into each game with a positive mentality.
"I thought when I was just getting back, I wanted to help the team win as badly as I could," Kessel said. "My motivation is at another level now that I'm playing. I just want to win so badly, even more than I did when I first got back to playing. That's the best that you can really expect."
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