.png&type=webp){kind=icon}
University of Massachusets Athletics
Hockey Adds Kessel To Complete Incoming Class
August 29, 2019 | Hockey
The 6’3”, 192-pound defenseman won a Clark Cup championship last season with Sioux Falls.
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts hockey will welcome 6'3", 192-pound defenseman Matthew Kessel to its incoming freshman class for 2019-20, head coach Greg Carvel announced on Thursday. Kessel rounds out a nine-member freshman class for the Minutemen, which includes forwards Jeremy Davidson, Eric Faith, Calen Kiefiuk, Reed Lebster and Peyton Reeves, defensemen Gianfranco Cassaro and Zac Jones and goaltender Alex Camarre.
"Although he is a late addition to this year's freshman class, we feel very fortunate to be adding Matt to an impressive group of new Minutemen, said Carvel. "Matt has great size and is a conscientious defender who plays a strong two-way game. As a right shot defenseman he will complement our current group very well. He is a proven winner, helping guide his USHL Sioux Falls team to the league championship last season. He is also a high character young man who excels in the classroom. He will fit in well in our locker room and help us to keep pushing our hockey program forward."
Kessel played in 114 career regular season games in the United States Hockey League (USHL), splitting time between the Fargo Force (2017-18), Chicago Steel (2017-18) and the Sioux Falls Stampede (2018-19) and totaled 22 points on two goals and 20 assists.
In his final year of junior hockey in 2018-19, the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native saw action in 62 regular season games and logged 19 points on two goals and 17 assists with Sioux Falls. He helped the Stampede to a Clark Cup championship, appearing in 15 postseason contests and registering four points on a goal and three assists.
For continued coverage of Massachusetts hockey, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@UMassHockey) and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.
"Although he is a late addition to this year's freshman class, we feel very fortunate to be adding Matt to an impressive group of new Minutemen, said Carvel. "Matt has great size and is a conscientious defender who plays a strong two-way game. As a right shot defenseman he will complement our current group very well. He is a proven winner, helping guide his USHL Sioux Falls team to the league championship last season. He is also a high character young man who excels in the classroom. He will fit in well in our locker room and help us to keep pushing our hockey program forward."
Kessel played in 114 career regular season games in the United States Hockey League (USHL), splitting time between the Fargo Force (2017-18), Chicago Steel (2017-18) and the Sioux Falls Stampede (2018-19) and totaled 22 points on two goals and 20 assists.
In his final year of junior hockey in 2018-19, the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native saw action in 62 regular season games and logged 19 points on two goals and 17 assists with Sioux Falls. He helped the Stampede to a Clark Cup championship, appearing in 15 postseason contests and registering four points on a goal and three assists.
For continued coverage of Massachusetts hockey, follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@UMassHockey) and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Hockey
F
/ HockeyUMass IH | Broadcast Highlights vs Northern Michigan | 10.05.25
Sunday, October 05
UMass IH | Post Game Press Conference vs Northern Michigan | 10.05.25
Sunday, October 05
UMass IH | Coach Carvel Post Game Press Conference vs Northern Michigan | 10.05.25
Sunday, October 05
UMass Hockey European Flair
Thursday, October 02