DALLAS – Clayton Keller, captain of the Utah Mammoth, will participate in Friday night’s game against the Dallas Stars, following the unexpected passing of his father the previous night.
Coach Andre Tourigny stated early Friday: “We want to express our condolences to the family, to Clayton, to his mother [Kelley], and to his brother [Jake]. It’s a difficult time for the family, and we will support them in any way we can. Both we and the family ask everyone to respect their privacy.” Keller, 27, has played all 10 seasons of his career in the NHL with the Arizona-Utah franchise and was named captain before last season, when the team moved to Salt Lake City. Selected seventh overall in the 2016 draft and a four-time All-Star, Keller scored 30 goals in each of the last three seasons, including career highs last season with 60 assists and 90 points. Before Friday’s game, he was second on the team with 21 points, including eight goals.Clayton wants to play and be with the team.
Andre Tourigny, Mammoth coach
There’s really nothing you can say or do at that moment, but be there. The most important thing for us is to be there to support him. Loyalty is when people need you, not when you choose. In this difficult moment, we want to make sure we are present for [Keller] and his family.
Andre Tourigny, Mammoth coach
