How Sharks defenseman Michael Kesselring has connection to ‘Love Island USA'

How Sharks defenseman Michael Kesselring has connection to ‘Love Island USA' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay AreaThe 2026-27 NHL season doesn’t start for another three months, but the league dropped a “bombshell” announcement on Sunday.Sharks defenseman Michael Kessering is cousins with Love Island USA Season 8 contestant Kayda Bosse.The newly acquired Shark played 34 games for the Buffalo Sabres last season and has played in 190 over the course of his NHL career while compiling 12 goals and 43 assists.The 26-year-old was acquired in a June trade from the Sabres along with the No. 27 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for the Sharks’ No. 20 selection.He signed a three-year contract with San Jose for an annual average of $4.5 million.The 22-year-old Bosse from New Hampshire finished in fourth place in Season 8 of the series.Adding to the intrigue of the Kesselring-Love Island USA connection is the fact that the Sharks will have a “Sharks x Love Island” game on Jan. 8 of this season.That could make for one fascinating family reunion between the defenseman and his cousin, who was prominently featured on the reality dating show.Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast