Mammoth's Clayton Keller Thanks Blues for Homecoming Tribute

Clayton Keller has played a lot of hockey games in his career, but this one was different. The Utah Mammoth captain returned to St. Louis, the city where he grew up watching games from his father's lap and dreaming about one day skating on that same ice.

The Blues didn't let the moment pass without recognition, honoring Keller with a tribute that showed just how much respect the organization has for one of its own.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Keller was clearly moved by the experience and made sure to thank everyone who helped him get through what he admitted was an emotional few days.

A Night Full of Memories

Keller didn't hide how much the return to St. Louis meant to him. This wasn't just another road game. It was a chance to reconnect with the memories that shaped him as a player and as a person.

"Lots of memories at this rink. Growing up, coming to games here, sitting on my dad's lap, my grandpa's lap. Just admiring those players and wanting to be out there," Keller said.

For a kid who grew up in St. Louis dreaming of the NHL, walking into that building as an opposing captain had to be surreal. The Blues recognized the significance of the moment and gave Keller the kind of tribute that showed class and appreciation for his roots.

"Big thanks to the Blues for everything they did tonight. They didn't have to do that," Keller told the reporters.

Nov 28, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Utah Mammoth center Clayton Keller (9) chases the puck in the Dallas Stars zone during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Leaning on His Support System

Keller acknowledged that the buildup to the game wasn't easy. Returning home with all the emotions and memories attached to it took a toll, but he credited his teammates, coaches, and family for helping him navigate the experience.

POSTGAME

"First off, teammates, coaching staff, management, have been unbelievable towards me, my family. Big thanks to the Blues for everything they did tonight. They didn’t have to do that. Lots of memories at this rink. Growing up, coming to games here, sitting on my dad’s… pic.twitter.com/mXZbW88M80
— Utah Mammoth PR (@UtahMammoth_PR) November 30, 2025

"It was definitely a tough couple of days, but I couldn't have done it without my family, my teammates. They had my back always. I care for them more than anything."

The Mammoth have built a tight-knit culture since relocating to Utah, and nights like this show just how much that bond means to the players. Keller specifically called out the entire organization for how they've embraced him and his family during the transition.

"Teammates, coaching staff, management have been unbelievable towards me, my family."

More Than Just a Game

Some nights in the NHL are about more than wins and losses. For Clayton Keller, this was one of those nights. He got to return to the city that made him fall in love with hockey, received a classy tribute from the organization he grew up cheering for, and reminded everyone why he's the perfect player to wear the C for Utah.

The Mammoth are lucky to have a captain who cares this deeply, and Keller is lucky to have a team that supported him through such a meaningful moment.

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