Last Updated on November 14, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Michael Kesselring is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 13, 2000, in Florence, South Carolina, he grew up in New Hampshire in a family with strong connections to competitive ice hockey and basketball.
His parents are Casey Kesselring and Shawndra Kesselring. His father played professional hockey in the ECHL and later became a coach, while his mother was a college basketball player at Merrimack College.
Michael has a younger brother named Mason Kesselring, who also pursued competitive hockey. A November 2024 interview with The Salt Lake Tribune indicates that Michael grew up with two siblings, although the other sibling has not been reliably identified by name in the sources reviewed.
His extended family also includes Kayda Bosse, a cousin who appeared on the American reality television series Love Island USA in 2026.
Regarding his romantic life, Kesselring has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend or wife, and there are no reliable reports identifying any children.
Michael Kesselring’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Michael Kesselring has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend or romantic partner.
Although he has attracted increasing attention through his NHL career, the American defenseman has generally kept his dating life private.
His interviews focus primarily on hockey, his relationship with teammates, his professional development, and his family’s influence on his career.
No current girlfriend has been reliably identified through official NHL reporting or major interviews with Kesselring.
However, this does not necessarily mean that he is single. His relationship status has simply not been independently verified.
Is Michael Kesselring Married?
There is no credible public confirmation that Michael Kesselring is married.
He has not publicly announced a wedding, identified a spouse, or discussed marriage in the reliable interviews reviewed for this article.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to identify a particular person as his wife without additional evidence.
Does Michael Kesselring Have Children?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Michael Kesselring has children.
The San Jose Sharks defenseman has not publicly announced becoming a father, and his official hockey biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Although Kesselring has spoken about growing up with his parents and siblings, he has not disclosed having children of his own.
The most accurate description is that Michael Kesselring has no publicly confirmed children.
Michael Kesselring’s Parents
Michael Kesselring is the son of Casey Kesselring and Shawndra Kesselring.
Both parents were college athletes and played important roles in developing their children’s interest in sports.
Casey attended Merrimack College, where he played ice hockey, while Shawndra competed in women’s basketball at the same institution.
The couple met at Merrimack before beginning their family.
Their identities and sporting backgrounds were confirmed in interviews published by PHNX Sports in January 2024 and The Salt Lake Tribune in November 2024.
Casey Kesselring – Michael Kesselring’s Father
Casey Kesselring is Michael Kesselring’s father, a former professional hockey player, and an experienced youth hockey coach.
Originally from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Casey developed his hockey skills before attending Merrimack College in Massachusetts.
He played for the Merrimack Warriors during the 1990s, establishing himself as a productive college forward.
Following his college career, Casey played professionally in the ECHL for approximately five seasons.
His professional hockey career took the family to different parts of the United States.
Michael was born in Florence, South Carolina, while his father was playing professionally.
As Casey’s playing career progressed, the demands of raising a young family influenced his decision to leave professional competition.
In a January 2024 interview with PHNX Sports, Casey recalled that his wife encouraged him to pursue a more stable career after the family experienced another professional hockey relocation.
The family subsequently moved north to New Hampshire, where Shawndra had grown up.
How Casey Kesselring Became His Son’s Hockey Coach
After retiring from professional hockey, Casey became involved in coaching and developing young players.
He initially worked with youth hockey organizations in New Hampshire.
His coaching responsibilities included working with Michael and his younger brother Mason.
Casey subsequently coached at Pinkerton Academy before accepting a position at New Hampton School.
When Michael enrolled at New Hampton, his father became one of his coaches.
That arrangement created a close connection between their family life and Michael’s sporting development.
In a May 2018 interview with New England Hockey Journal, Casey acknowledged that coaching his own son could sometimes be challenging.
However, he also expressed pride in Michael’s improvement and his determination to become a successful player.
Michael credited his father with encouraging him to maintain consistent effort in practices, games, and off-ice training.
Casey emphasized the importance of discipline, preparation, and continuous improvement rather than relying entirely on natural talent.
Casey Kesselring’s Influence on Michael’s NHL Career
Michael has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of his father’s guidance.
In a November 2024 interview with The Salt Lake Tribune, he explained that having a father with professional hockey experience gave him an advantage during his development.
Casey understood the demands of competitive hockey and could offer practical advice about overcoming setbacks.
He also helped Michael improve his defensive abilities and decision-making.
Although Michael eventually developed into a physically imposing defenseman, his father recalled that he was relatively small during his early teenage years.
His significant growth occurred later than that of many other players.
According to Casey, Michael entered New Hampton School at approximately five feet ten inches tall before eventually growing to more than six feet four inches.
The changes in his physical development helped him attract greater attention from NHL scouts.
Casey’s coaching experience remained valuable as Michael progressed from prep school hockey to college and professional competition.
Shawndra Kesselring – Michael Kesselring’s Mother
Shawndra Kesselring is Michael Kesselring’s mother and a former collegiate basketball player.
She grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, before attending Merrimack College.
While studying at Merrimack, she competed in women’s basketball and met Casey Kesselring, who played for the college’s men’s hockey team.
The couple eventually married and started a family.
Shawndra supported her husband’s professional hockey career before the family settled in New Hampshire.
She later helped raise Michael and his siblings while managing the demands of youth sports.
Her own experience in competitive athletics gave her an appreciation for the training, travel, and discipline required to succeed.
How Shawndra Kesselring Supported Her Son
Shawndra played an important role in Michael’s hockey development.
Alongside Casey, she supported the family’s commitment to practices, tournaments, and school activities.
In a November 2024 interview with The Salt Lake Tribune, Shawndra recalled how much her children enjoyed playing hockey together at home.
She described intense games of indoor knee hockey involving Michael, his siblings, and cousins who lived nearby.
The competitions sometimes became so physical that the children damaged the basement walls.
Despite the occasional chaos, those games reflected the family’s enthusiasm for hockey.
Shawndra also discussed Michael’s determination as a young athlete.
She explained that the family originally hoped he would receive an opportunity to play college hockey.
At the time, reaching the NHL seemed like a distant possibility.
However, Michael continued working to improve until he developed into a professional player.
His mother credited his progress to his dedication and willingness to practice consistently.
Shawndra Helped Michael During a Professional Hockey Trade
One memorable example of Shawndra’s support occurred in March 2023, when Michael was traded from the Edmonton Oilers organization to the Arizona Coyotes.
At the time, Shawndra happened to be visiting her son.
According to Casey’s January 2024 interview with PHNX Sports, her presence proved helpful because Michael needed to organize his belongings and relocate quickly.
Shawndra assisted him with packing and preparing for the move.
The experience demonstrated how family support remained important even after Michael entered professional hockey.
Michael Kesselring’s Siblings
Michael Kesselring grew up with siblings who shared his enthusiasm for sports.
A November 2024 Salt Lake Tribune feature states that he played childhood hockey games with two other siblings and several cousins.
His younger brother Mason Kesselring is publicly identified in hockey biographies and interviews. The name and personal details of the other sibling have not been reliably established in the sources reviewed.
Mason Kesselring – Michael Kesselring’s Younger Brother
Mason Kesselring is Michael Kesselring’s younger brother and an American ice hockey forward.
He was born on March 15, 2004, in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Like Michael, Mason grew up playing hockey under the guidance of their father Casey.
He developed his abilities through New England youth hockey programs before attending Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts.
During the 2021–22 prep school season, Mason recorded 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 25 games.
His performances earned him recognition as a promising junior hockey prospect.
Mason Kesselring’s Junior and College Hockey Career
In December 2021, Mason committed to the University of Connecticut’s men’s ice hockey program.
He subsequently continued his development in junior hockey.
During the 2022–23 season, he played for the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League.
He recorded 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points in 50 regular-season games.
His performances helped establish him as a productive forward.
Mason later played in the United States Hockey League, including time with the Lincoln Stars.
He subsequently pursued college hockey at Curry College in Massachusetts.
Elite Prospects and college hockey records identify him as a member of Curry’s NCAA Division III program during the 2025–26 season.
His development demonstrates how the Kesselring family’s interest in hockey extended beyond Michael’s professional achievements.
Michael and Mason Kesselring’s Relationship
Michael and Mason grew up sharing a strong interest in ice hockey.
Both received early coaching from their father and participated in youth hockey programs in New Hampshire.
In a January 2024 interview with PHNX Sports, Casey recalled that both sons experienced relatively late physical development.
He believed that each possessed strong hockey abilities but needed additional time to develop physically.
Michael eventually progressed to the NHL, while Mason continued pursuing the sport through junior and college hockey.
The brothers’ different career paths demonstrate the range of opportunities available within competitive hockey.
Does Michael Kesselring Have a Sister?
The name of a sister has not been reliably established in major public hockey profiles.
However, The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Michael grew up with two siblings, rather than identifying Mason as his only sibling.
Because that article did not identify the other sibling’s name or gender, it is not possible to confirm whether Michael has a sister based on the available evidence.
Michael Kesselring’s Cousin: Who Is Kayda Bosse?
Michael Kesselring is also related to Kayda Bosse, a reality television personality who appeared on the eighth season of Love Island USA in 2026.
Their relationship was publicly acknowledged by the NHL in July 2026.
Kayda and her partner Zach Gergiou finished in fourth place on the show.
Following the season, Michael publicly supported his cousin through social media.
San Jose Hockey Now reported on July 21, 2026, that he congratulated Kayda and expressed pride in her achievement.
The family connection attracted attention because Michael was preparing for his first season with the San Jose Sharks at the time.
Although Kayda is not one of Michael’s siblings, she is a publicly confirmed member of his extended family.
Michael Kesselring’s Childhood and Family Background
Michael Kesselring was born in Florence, South Carolina, while his father was playing professional hockey.
His family subsequently relocated to New Hampshire, where he spent most of his childhood.
Growing up in the northeastern United States, Michael became a passionate supporter of the Boston Bruins.
His father, originally from Kitchener, Ontario, supported the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Their different NHL allegiances created friendly competition at home, particularly when Boston and Toronto faced each other in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Michael grew up admiring Bruins players including Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara.
He later developed an appreciation for defenseman Charlie McAvoy’s playing style.
Although his father had professional hockey experience, Michael did not automatically become a leading prospect.
He spent years developing through local youth hockey programs before attending New Hampton School.
At New Hampton, he played under his father and gradually became one of the school’s important defensemen.
His development eventually attracted interest from major junior and college hockey programs.
Michael Kesselring’s Journey Through Junior and College Hockey
In 2016, the Quebec Remparts selected Kesselring in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Draft.
However, Michael and his father decided that pursuing the American college hockey pathway would be a better option.
He continued at New Hampton School before joining the United States Hockey League.
During the 2018–19 season, he played for the Des Moines Buccaneers and Fargo Force.
His performances helped him earn an opportunity to play NCAA Division I hockey.
He originally committed to Merrimack College, following his parents’ connection to the institution.
However, he later changed his commitment and joined Northeastern University.
Kesselring played for Northeastern during the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons.
His development at the college level prepared him for professional hockey.
How Michael Kesselring Reached the NHL
The Edmonton Oilers selected Michael Kesselring in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft with the 164th overall pick.
After completing two seasons at Northeastern University, he signed an entry-level contract with Edmonton in March 2021.
He began his professional career with the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League.
In March 2023, Edmonton traded Kesselring to the Arizona Coyotes organization.
He made his NHL debut on March 3, 2023, against the Carolina Hurricanes.
On December 11, 2023, he scored his first NHL goal against the Buffalo Sabres.
During the 2023–24 season, he established himself as a regular NHL defenseman, recording five goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 65 games.
He subsequently joined the Utah Hockey Club following the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes’ hockey operations.
During the 2024–25 season, Kesselring played all 82 regular-season games and recorded a career-high seven goals and 22 assists for 29 points.
His performances helped establish him as a reliable NHL defenseman.
Michael Kesselring’s Emotional Return to Boston
One of Michael Kesselring’s most memorable professional experiences occurred in November 2024, when the Utah Hockey Club visited the Boston Bruins.
The game represented a homecoming because Michael had grown up supporting Boston and had attended games at TD Garden during childhood.
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, more than 50 relatives and friends were expected to attend.
The occasion brought together people who had supported him during his early hockey development.
His mother Shawndra reflected on the family’s journey from youth hockey in New Hampshire to seeing Michael compete in the NHL.
The experience was particularly meaningful because the family had once considered college hockey to be an ambitious goal.
Michael Kesselring’s Move to the San Jose Sharks
After his successful season with Utah, Kesselring was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in June 2025.
Injuries limited him to 34 regular-season games during the 2025–26 campaign.
On June 17, 2026, Buffalo traded him to the San Jose Sharks in a transaction involving first-round NHL Draft selections.
San Jose subsequently signed Kesselring to a three-year contract worth $13.5 million on June 29, 2026.
The agreement carries an average annual value of $4.5 million and runs through the 2028–29 season.
Kesselring joined the Sharks for the 2026–27 season, wearing jersey number 7.
His arrival provided San Jose with an experienced right-handed defenseman capable of contributing defensively and supporting offensive plays.
The move represented another important stage in a professional journey that began under his father’s coaching in New Hampshire.
Michael Kesselring’s International Hockey Career
Michael Kesselring has also represented the United States internationally.
He participated in the 2024 IIHF World Championship and returned to the national team for the 2025 tournament.
At the 2025 World Championship, he recorded one goal and three assists in ten games.
The United States won the gold medal, securing its first men’s world championship title since 1933.
The achievement was another significant milestone for a player whose parents had supported his development from youth hockey to the NHL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Kesselring’s Family
Who is Michael Kesselring’s girlfriend?
Michael Kesselring has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Michael Kesselring married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Michael Kesselring is married or has a wife.
Does Michael Kesselring have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Michael Kesselring.
Who are Michael Kesselring’s parents?
His parents are Casey Kesselring and Shawndra Kesselring. Both were college athletes at Merrimack College.
Who is Michael Kesselring’s father?
His father is Casey Kesselring, a former professional hockey player who later coached Michael at New Hampton School.
Who is Michael Kesselring’s mother?
His mother is Shawndra Kesselring, a former Merrimack College basketball player who grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Does Michael Kesselring have siblings?
Yes. Michael grew up with two siblings, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. His younger brother Mason is publicly identified, while the other sibling’s name has not been reliably confirmed.
Who is Michael Kesselring’s brother?
Mason Kesselring is Michael’s younger brother. Born in March 2004, Mason pursued junior hockey before playing college hockey at Curry College.
Does Michael Kesselring have a sister?
A sister has not been reliably identified by name. Although reporting mentions a second sibling besides Mason, that person’s identity and gender have not been independently verified.
Is Michael Kesselring related to Kayda Bosse?
Yes. Michael Kesselring and Kayda Bosse are cousins. Their family connection was publicly acknowledged by the NHL in July 2026.
Where is Michael Kesselring from?
Michael Kesselring was born in Florence, South Carolina, but grew up in New Hampshire, where he developed his hockey skills.
Was Michael Kesselring’s father an NHL player?
Casey Kesselring did not play in the NHL. He played college hockey at Merrimack and professional hockey in the ECHL before becoming a coach.
What team does Michael Kesselring play for?
Michael Kesselring plays for the San Jose Sharks, who acquired him from the Buffalo Sabres in June 2026.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
