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Hockey 8 things you probably didn't know about new Leaf Phil Kessel Father Phil Sr. was a star quarterback at Northern Michigan University. Among his pro stops: Washington Redskins, Calgary Stampeders and USFL's Birmingham Stallions. Mom ran track in college.



Hockey runs deep among the siblings. Brother Blake, a draftee of the New York Islanders in 2007, plays at the University of New Hampshire. Amanda, his sister, was the top point-getter for Team USA at the women's world under-18 championships this year.



Playing bantam hockey in his hometown of Madison, Wisc., he averaged better than three points a game. Coach was Bob Suter, who played for the U.S. "Miracle on Ice" team of 1980.



He holds the career record for goals (104) for the USA Hockey national development team.



Just two months after starting his career with Boston in 2006 (5th overall in '06 draft), he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He had surgery and was back on the ice in under three weeks. Won the Bill Masterton Trophy for dedication to hockey the same season.



Played for U.S. at the world hockey championships twice, the first time in 2006 as the lone college player on the squad.



When he was a freshman at the University of Minnesota and asked to name his favourite hockey team, he replied: Atlanta Thrashers.



A few other passions in life besides hockey: golf, poker and fishing. And, we're told, he's at his best with a buck or two on the line. Read more about: SHARE:









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