NHL star Phil Kessel becomes brand ambassador for World Poker Tour

As he continues to await a new NHL contract, hockey star Phil Kessel is channelling his passion for poker by joining the World Poker Tour (WPT) Global as a brand ambassador. Kessel shared the news on his Instagram, expressing his enthusiasm for the game: “Poker and hockey have always been a passion of mine. I look forward to playing poker with everyone.”

“Welcoming Phil to the WPT Global brand is incredibly exciting for us,” stated Alex Scott, President of WPT Global. “He has excelled as an elite hockey player and is a true poker enthusiast. His passion, engaging personality, and commitment to improvement make him a fantastic fit for our community. We are eager to create unforgettable experiences for our players, particularly in Canada.”

Kessel’s partnership with the poker firm stems from his deep-rooted passion for the game, which has made him a recognised figure in the Canadian poker community. He will join an impressive ambassador lineup that includes renowned players like Phil Ivey and Brad Owen.” Kessel is set to make appearances at the upcoming WPT Playground Festival in Montreal, where he will interact with fans and players. He will also host his own Iron Man Poker Tournament on 27 November, offering participants a chance to win a VIP experience at the WPT World Championship in Las Vegas and a round of golf with Kessel himself.

NHL uncertainty

At 36 years old, Kessel has not yet secured a spot on an roster for the 2023-24 season. Although he trained with the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks prior to the NHL trade deadline, he ultimately did not receive an offer. Kessel, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, concluded his last NHL season with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022-23, where he recorded 14 goals and 36 points over 82 games. Throughout his career, Kessel amassed an impressive 992 points (413 goals, 579 assists) in 1,286 regular-season games, placing him 12th among American players in NHL history. He also holds the record for the longest consecutive games played, having participated in 1,064 regular-season matches without missing a single one.

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