EDMONTON, AB- Beware.
Scrumming Michael Kesselring could cause a sore neck.
The Oilers sixth-round selection in the 2018 NHL Draft is listed as 6-foot-6 but with his skates on, hovers around the 6-foot-8 range. There's no question that the former USHL defender - who will join the Northeastern Huskies next season - has grown since his last go-around at Oilers Development Camp.
The 203-pounder confirmed it on Tuesday after the Oilers defence prospects finished their on-ice session. The defenceman believes it will bode well for him when he transitions to the NCAA in 2019-20.
"I think I grew another inch and a half or two and then I gained probably 15 pounds since last year," said the Manchester, NH, product. "It was a big year for me development-wise and I think I'm ready to go for college."
The 164th-overall pick moves into summer school next Monday, so getting prepared physically for the upcoming campaign was a major goal. And much like his scale, Kesselring's offensive game has taken off.
The 19-year-old finished '18-19 with nine goals and 25 assists split between the Des Moines Buccaneers and Fargo Force but saw his offensive output skyrocket with Fargo.
DEV CAMP: Kesselring physically prepared for college hockey
"I think I grew another inch and a half or two and then I gained probably 15 pounds since last year... I think I'm ready to go for college," said defence prospect Michael Kesselring
