Matt Kiersted

[2] His father was friends with former ice hockey player Mark Parrish, who convinced them to let their children play the sport.

[5] As a junior, he left Elk River to play for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

[2] As a free agent, Kiersted signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on April 1, 2021.

[6][7] He made his NHL debut two days later, in the Panthers' 5–2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

[8][9] On June 28, 2024, Kiersted signed a one-year, two-way contract to return to the Panthers.