Phil Kessel has hilarious reaction when asked to comment his Ironman record

Phil Kessel did it. On Tuesday night, he became the new Ironman of the NHL, setting the the record for the most consecutive games played in NHL history as his Vegas Golden Knights team took on the San Jose Sharks.

Kessel has played every single game since November 3 of 2009. He overtook defenseman Keith Yandle for the top spot after Yandle’s streak was cut short last season when he was healthy scratched by the Philadelphia Flyers.

When asked about his record mid-game by ESPN broadcast, Kessel was just his normal and wonderful self, commenting “I’m getting old” when asked about how he’s feeling.

Though he looked shy and awkward during the tribute he received in San Jose for the impressive record, Kessel mentioned in the interview he wants to play as long as he can. And we are all for it.

“I was always say I like to play, so I try to play no matter what,” Kessel told ESPN. “I still have fun with it. I’ve played a long time, I’m getting old. I had a fun time doing it. A lotta games. Until they tell me I have to quit, I like playing still. Try to play as long as I can.”

I feel like everyone loves Phil Kessel, an inspiring man who survived testicular cancer before becoming the NHL’s new Iron man. His battle with cancer began in his rookie season, three years before his streak started, and it’s easy to see it build a strong character in him, a man full of resilience and strength. Unbelievably, his diagnosis and recovery from surgery in Dec. 2006 only cost Kessel 11 games. For that, he won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, becoming the first NHL rookie to receive the award.

On Tuesday, he not only became the league’s Iron man, he also scored his 400th career goal.

Kessel knows how to party and despite his awkward stance during the tribute message offered to him in San Jose, we want him to stay just the way he is.