Lingering Concussion Symptoms End Amanda Kessel's College Career

Minnesota women's hockey star Amanda Kessel will not play for Minnesota next season reports Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald. Kessel missed all of last season due to lingering effects of concussions she had received, and those symptoms have not subsided to the point where she can return to the ice. Kessel played three seasons for the University of Minnesota, then took a redshirt season to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics and used a medical redshirt last season, meaning this upcoming year would have been her last year of NCAA eligibility.

Kessel scored 97 goals and 134 assists for 231 points in her three-year career. Her best season came in 2013-2014 when she tallied 101 points and helped Minnesota to a perfect 41-0-0 record and national title. She was named the Patty Kazmaier Award recipient as the best player in women's college hockey that season.

A healthy return to the ice from Kessel would have been a huge help to the Gophers women's team as they look to defend their national championship next season, though even without Kessel, the Gophers are expected to be among the top programs in the country next year.