Phil Kessel is a divisive figure among hockey fans.
But it’s somewhat surprising when you meet the 30-year-old NHL sniper given he’s a pretty straight forward character. Kessel doesn’t partake in the clichés or coach-speak most hockey players do. In fact, he answers questions pretty bluntly. Back in Toronto earlier this summer, a place I came to learn he is still fond of despite the intense media scrutiny it brings hockey players, Kessel is spending the summer once again training with hockey fitness guru and former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Gary Roberts.
During a well-earned day off from one of Roberts’ infamous workouts, I caught up with Kessel to learn he’s not resting on his laurels despite having already hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup twice.
The setting for the impromptu chat was a gym in the west end of Toronto, where Kessel was about to be put through the paces for an Under Armour photo shoot. After he got out of the make-up chair, but before he stepped up to model for a new set of photos, I showed him some of the most iconic photos from his career to date.
Watch the video above to for Kessel’s reaction and my conversation with him, including the following topics.
On playing against his brother, Blake Kessel:
“Blake was an All-American in college and a great player at UNH and he’s playing over in Europe right now and I’m proud of him.”
On playing in Toronto:
“I love Toronto. I always come back in the summer. My buddies are here. Toronto is a great city to live and play in.”
On former teammates Dion Phaneuf and Joffrey Lupul:
“Lupes and Dion! They are both great guys and good buddies of mine. We had a lot of fun here. Obviously, we didn’t have the success that we wanted but we liked playing here and enjoyed our time here.”
“I still keep in touch with them. Dion is one of my good buddies. He’s in L.A. now and he loves it there.”
On playing with Sidney Crosby:
“He’s a special player. When you watch him, he’s a competitor. He’s going to do whatever he can to win and help the team win. He battles out there every night and cares about everyone and cares about winning.”
On lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time:
“It was pretty special. You never know if you’re going to play in the Stanley Cup and compete for it. I really never had the chance to win one until Pittsburgh. Getting the chance to play for it means everything and I’m fortunate to have a couple.
“It’s a kid’s dream. It’s better. You always dream about it but to get there and to do it is an unbelievable experience.
On Barack Obama chirping him at the White House:
“I seem to somehow catch some jokes all the time towards me. It was a great experience. I had never gotten to go to the White House. We had a good time with it. It was a fun day.”
