MUST READ : Guentzel recalls first meeting with Kessel as a kid.

This one is just so cool.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
MUST READ : Guentzel recalls first meeting with Kessel as a kid.
Keystone press agency

Jake Guentzel took the NHL by storm this year after jumping out of the AHL in style. The former University of Nebraska-Omaha forward was only drafted as a 77th overall pick in  2013 and grinded his way to the NHL by pure grit and determination. 

When asked about his first meetings with one of his heroes during his youth, he recalls. 

“When I was 11 years old, this highly recruited kid named Phil Kessel came to the team. It was a huge deal at the time because Phil was a Wisconsin kid, but he had picked the Golden Gophers over the Badgers. I remember when he came in, I was kind of in awe of him because he was so good, but he was also just a hilarious guy. He had this infectious energy every time he came to the rink, like he just loved playing hockey — and that’s exactly how I felt, too.”

Considering Guentzel is now doing pretty well alongside Kessel these days, the story is even better. This is probably not out of pure luck that Guentzel now leads the league with 9 goals in 13 games either. Kessel immediately remembered him when Guentzel joined the team and he recalls. 

"Phil walks [into the Penguins dressing room] and sees me. He’s got a little smirk, and he doesn’t even miss a beat. He’s just like, 'Hey kid … we’re back together again, huh?'

These stories are just so cool, especially when the team is as succesful as the Penguins are these days. Enjoy the ride Jake! 


Source: Sportsnet