Kale Kessy Bio
Kale Kessy is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was originally drafted in the fourth round, 111th overall, by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Kessy began his professional career in 2013 and has played for various teams in the AHL and other leagues, known for his physical style of play and contributions to his teams’ toughness on the ice.
Early Life and Background
Kale Kessy was born on December 4, 1992, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He moved to Swift Current for a couple of years, where he played peewee hockey. At the age of 12, he relocated to Medicine Hat to further his hockey career, playing bantam and midget hockey. During his time in Medicine Hat, he attended Notre Dame Academy, which provided him with a solid foundation for his future in the sport.
Path to Hockey
Kessy joined the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL) for nine games during the 2008–09 season, where he saw limited ice time. He returned to the Tigers for the 2009–10 season, recording his first major junior goal on September 18, 2009. Throughout that season, he scored 11 goals and 18 assists in 70 games while leading the team in penalty minutes. In the 2010–11 season, Kessy recorded 10 goals and 24 points in 65 games, helping the Tigers reach the league semifinals. He was ranked 101st among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau leading up to the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, where he was ultimately selected by the Phoenix Coyotes.
Kale Kessy Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Kessy made his professional debut with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL during the 2013–14 season. He played in 18 games, recording a goal and an assist before being re-assigned to the Oklahoma City Barons in the AHL. His performance caught the attention of the Edmonton Oilers, with coach Todd Nelson noting that Kessy was on the cusp of a potential call-up. However, his progress was halted by a season-ending knee injury in December 2014, which required surgery. Upon returning to the ice, Kessy spent the entire 2015–16 season with the Condors, continuing to develop his skills.
Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Kessy transitioned to the Winnipeg Jets organization in the 2016–17 season, signing with their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. After a brief stint with the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers, he signed a professional tryout with the Moose. His career continued to evolve as he signed with the Idaho Steelheads for the 2018–19 season, returning to the Moose on another contract but was released after one game. Kessy signed with the Colorado Eagles in the AHL, where he played 15 games before returning to the ECHL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kessy was recognized for his contributions to the Hershey community during the 2019–20 season, receiving the Hershey’s IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award. He signed a two-year contract extension with the Hershey Bears in July 2021, solidifying his role as a depth forward.
Kale Kessy Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Kale Kessy has been recognized for his contributions on and off the ice, particularly noted for his community involvement.
Kale Kessy Awards Won
Kale Kessy received the Hershey’s IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his contributions to the community during the 2019–20 season.
Kale Kessy Family
Information about Kale Kessy’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details regarding Kale Kessy’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.