ESPN

Mike Eidelbes

  (3:30 PM)

Good afternoon and welcome to a special Friday edition of Inside College Hockey chat on 'The Show'. We're here with Phil Kessel of the U.S. Under-18 Team, who announced this afternoon he'll attend the University of Minnesota next season.

Phil Kessel

  (3:30 PM)

I'm here and ready for your questions.

Steve Mann (Chicago, IL)

How did the USA Hockey National Team Development Program prepare you for the next level?

Phil Kessel

  (3:33 PM)

It's a great place with a great coaching staff. For my growth as a player, the experience has been immesurable. The competition, the training, the instruction, the workout regimen...all have been extremely beneficial.

Dan (Williamsville NY)

Knowing that most talented collegiate hockey players leave after 2 years and forego the remnants of their college years, wouldn't the OHL be a better route for you career wise?

Phil Kessel

  (3:34 PM)

The way I feel about it, the college game fits me best. I've been watching college hockey all my life. College players are older, bigger and stronger. The OHL is a great league, but college is the right place for me.

Jim Charleston, SC

Phil:How much did watch Grant Potulny coming from Grand Forks to lead the Gophers to a national title impact your decision, if any, and do you consider it an honor to play for the Gophers given the number of outstanding players from the state and only recent acceptance of out-of-state players? Welcome aboard!Jim

Phil Kessel

  (3:36 PM)

It made the decision a little easier. They have great players from all over now and not just Minnesota. In the end, it was just the right place for me.

Theran, MN

What type of role do you see yourself falling into with the Gopher's open style offense, and especially with the likes of such great players as Potulny, Irmen, Hirsch, and the incoming Blake Wheeler

Phil Kessel

  (3:38 PM)

I figure I'm coming in the same as any other freshman. I'm more of an offensive player and I think I'm expected to help more offensively, but I'll do whatever the coaches ask and do whatever it takes to win.

Sean (Minneapolis, MN)

Phil...great to have you a member of Pride on Ice!! Saw you a few weeks ago when you played against the Gophers...is there anything to the rumors regarding an intense rivalry with Wisconsin recruit Jack Skille?

Phil Kessel

  (3:39 PM)

There is nothing to those rumor. We've played together for the last two years and we're doing fine. That played no factor in my decision whatsoever.

Jed Madison WI

Was Wisconsin ever really a possible decision or was it always a distant 2nd to Minn? Was there any point where you thought "I am going to Wisconsin"

Phil Kessel

  (3:43 PM)

Wisconsin was always a possibility. Madison is my hometown, UW is a great school and it's a great program. At some point, you always think you're going to play in the town you grew up, but in the end, Minnesota was the place for me.

Steven (Madison, WI)

How was of a factor were the coaches in your decision, was their one coach who you thought stood out compared to the others

Phil Kessel

  (3:45 PM)

Both Coach Eaves and Coach Lucia are great at what they do. They play two different styles, and they're both doing well...and will continue to do well over the next couple years. I think Coach Lucia plays a more offensive style, and I think that style best fits me.

Wesley (Beltrami Island, MN)

Phil - What's the number one thing you'll be working on to improve your game for the college level?

Phil Kessel

  (3:46 PM)

The biggest thing is strength. The kids are bigger and older, and I'll be working out a lot to try and build my strength.

Jon, Atlanta, GA

Congrats on your choice. How tough was this decision considering where you grew up? What was the most important thing that swung your choice to Minnesota? How did your parents take it that you aren't going to Wisconsin?

Phil Kessel

  (3:48 PM)

It was one of the toughest decisions of my life. It's hard because I have a lot of respect for my old coach, Bob Suter, and his son Ryan. It was hard to say that I wasn't going to go to Wisconsin. In the end, Minnesota was the best decision.

Phil Kessel

  (3:49 PM)

It wasn't really any one thing that swung my decision toward Minnesota. I just woke up one morning and decided that Minnesota is the best place for me.

Johnny Baines (Walleye, ND)

Any favorite NHL team?

Phil Kessel

  (3:51 PM)

Not really. If I was forced to pick, I'd take the Atlanta Thrashers.

Patrick (Savage, MN)

Growing up, who did you idolize at the college hockey level?

Phil Kessel

  (3:53 PM)

I looked up to guys like Mark Johnson, even though he played a little before my time. Of course, I watched Dany Heatley and Steve Reinprecht when they were in school.

Ryan (Toledo, Ohio)

Who are the top three players that you've played with or against?

Phil Kessel

  (3:56 PM)

Ryan Suter would definitely be on that list. Facing Alexander Ovechkin in the WJC has to be there, too. All my teammates I play with now are great, too. It's too hard to pick just one.

Nate (madison)

were you worried that when you made your decision that you would upset some the people and friends from the madison area.

Phil Kessel

  (3:57 PM)

I was real worried how people would take it. I'm not the type of guy who likes to disappoint people or say 'no' to people. At the end of the day, however, I had to go with my heart, and I thought Minnesota is the best place for me.

Mike Eidelbes

  (3:58 PM)

We've got time for one more question...

Patrick (Minnesota)

Based on your expereince in this process, what kind of advice would you give a recruit that was put in a similar position?

Phil Kessel

  (4:00 PM)

In the end, you've got to do what you feel is best for you. At the end of the day, you've got to consider where you'll be the happiest and where you'll fit in best. Even though it was a difficult decision, it's a luxury knowing you have so many great options.

Phil Kessel

  (4:01 PM)

Thanks for all the great questions...I wish I could've answered them all.

Mike Eidelbes

  (4:02 PM)

Thanks for your time, Phil. And thanks for all the questions. We'll see you at our regularly scheduled time next Thursday for more college hockey talk on ESPN.com.