Matthew Kessel Bio
Matthew James Kessel is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 23, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona, Kessel developed his early life in Detroit, Michigan alongside his three older brothers, all of whom excelled in athletics. His professional career began after signing with the Blues in 2022, following a successful stint at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Early Life and Background
Matthew James Kessel was born on June 23, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona, to parents Tom and Leila Kessel. Although he was born in Arizona, Kessel grew up in Detroit, Michigan, alongside his three older brothers. His eldest brother played college football at the University of Cincinnati, while his other two brothers played college hockey. His second oldest brother played college hockey at Western Michigan University before transitioning to the ECHL, and his third oldest brother played college hockey at the College of the Holy Cross from 2017 to 2021.
Coming from a competitive and athletic household, Kessel was exposed to multiple sports from a young age. Detroit’s deep hockey culture also influenced his development and helped shape his interest in the game. The combination of family support and a strong local hockey environment laid the foundation for his future in the sport.
Path to Hockey
Kessel first played junior ice hockey for the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 2017–18, moving to the Chicago Steel later that season. In 2018, he moved to the Sioux Falls Stampede, continuing his development in one of the top junior leagues in the United States. His time in the USHL allowed him to refine his defensive game and prepare for the next level of competition.
Kessel originally committed to play NCAA Division I college hockey at Miami of Ohio but changed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst following the firing of Miami’s head coach. Due to a close connection with one of the assistant coaches, Kessel was offered a spot at UMass Amherst without seeing the campus or being recruited through the normal means. He made his collegiate debut on October 11 and scored his first collegiate goal on October 15 against Northeastern. He finished his freshman year with seven goals to lead all freshmen defensemen in the nation.
Matthew Kessel Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Kessel began his competitive career in the United States Hockey League, a key development pipeline for young American players aiming for NCAA and professional hockey. He spent time with the Fargo Force, the Chicago Steel, and the Sioux Falls Stampede across the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons, gaining valuable experience against top junior talent. These seasons helped him adjust to the speed and physicality required at higher levels of the sport.
His performances in the USHL drew attention from collegiate programs, eventually leading to his commitment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The transition from junior hockey to the NCAA marked a major step forward in his career and set the stage for his draft selection.
UMass Minutemen Era (2019–2022)
Kessel joined the UMass Minutemen for the 2019–20 season and quickly made an impression. He began the year playing on the team’s third defensive pairing alongside fellow freshman Gianfranco Cassaro. By mid-November, as the Minutemen maintained a 7–3 record, Kessel was promoted to their top defensive pair with Jake McLaughlin. He then played the majority of the season as one of the team’s top defensemen alongside Marc Del Gaizo.
He was dubbed the “most impressive freshman” by head coach Greg Carvel through the first seven games of the season. Kessel finished the year with seven goals, leading all freshmen defensemen in the nation, and established himself as a reliable two-way defenseman. His strong play over three collegiate seasons helped position him as a prospect heading into the NHL draft.
St. Louis Blues Era (2022–Present)
Kessel was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fifth round, 150th overall, in the 2020 NHL entry draft. After completing his junior season with the Minutemen, he concluded his collegiate career by signing a two-year, entry-level contract with the Blues on March 28, 2022. He was assigned to finish the 2021–22 season with the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.
During the tail end of the 2022–23 season, Kessel was recalled and made his NHL debut with the Blues on April 2, 2023, against the Boston Bruins. He played just one more game before being sent down to the AHL. For the 2023–24 season, Kessel began the year again with the Thunderbirds before being recalled to the Blues on December 30, 2023. On February 13, 2024, he recorded his first NHL point, an assist on a goal by Alexey Toropchenko, and on April 7, 2024, he scored his first NHL goal against Lukáš Dostál of the Anaheim Ducks. On March 13, 2024, Kessel signed a two-year, one-way contract extension with the Blues.
Notable Events and Milestones
Kessel’s NHL debut against the Boston Bruins on April 2, 2023, marked the culmination of years of development through junior and collegiate hockey. His first NHL point and first NHL goal during the 2023–24 season represented major personal milestones, while his contract extension with the Blues signaled the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential. Each step reflected steady progress and growing responsibility within the St. Louis system.
Matthew Kessel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matthew James Kessel was raised in Detroit, Michigan, by his parents, Tom and Leila Kessel. He grew up alongside three older brothers, each of whom pursued collegiate athletics. His eldest brother played college football at the University of Cincinnati, his second oldest brother played college hockey at Western Michigan University before transitioning to the ECHL, and his third oldest brother played college hockey at the College of the Holy Cross from 2017 to 2021.
Personal Life
Coming from a highly athletic family, Kessel was surrounded by competition and sportsmanship throughout his upbringing. The strong athletic foundation provided by his parents and brothers helped shape his work ethic and commitment to hockey. His family’s involvement in multiple sports contributed to his well-rounded development as an athlete.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Matthew James Kessel continues his role as a depth defenseman for the St. Louis Blues, building on the momentum from his first full NHL year. After signing a two-year, one-way contract extension in March 2024, Kessel has had the stability and opportunity to develop further within the organization. His blend of size, mobility, and defensive awareness makes him a reliable option on the back end.
Throughout the early portions of the season, Kessel has continued to contribute in a bottom-pairing role while logging minutes on the penalty kill. His first NHL goal and first NHL point from the previous season provided a foundation of confidence heading into 2025. With Springfield available as a development option, the Blues have flexibility in how they utilize Kessel’s services.
Looking ahead, Kessel’s focus will be on solidifying his spot in the NHL lineup and contributing to the Blues’ defensive structure. His progression from a fifth-round pick to an NHL-contracted defenseman underscores his growth, and the 2025 season offers another opportunity to demonstrate his continued development at the highest level.