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Coyotes’ Clayton Keller headed to Sin City

BY JOSHUA WEISBLY Glendale Star Staff Writer

Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller focused on the “little things” during the off season, and that has led to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Keller, who was the Coyotes’ seventh pick in 2016, will represent the Arizona Coyotes at the NHL All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. This marks Keller’s second all-star nod; however, his debut at the All-Star Game was postponed as the pandemic canceled last year’s contest.

“This summer, I really trained with a purpose,” Keller said during a press conference. “I think that’s defi nitely helped me on the ice.”

This season, the 23-year-old Keller is putting up respectable numbers with 13 goals and 14 assists as of Jan. 15. In the reduced 2020-21 56-game season, Keller had 14 goals and 21 assists.

Compared to last year, Keller has improved on the defensive side of the puck.

“I can be effective, not just on the offense but also on defense. And I think I take a lot of pride in stealing pucks, stripping pucks, takeaways, things like that,” Keller said.

This has helped the Chesterfi eld, Missouri, native with his new role as an alternate captain for the Coyotes.

“I just feel more comfortable and mentally I feel so much better, even as a leadership guy as well trying to do the right things every single day and practice trying to drive the pace,” Keller said.

The All-Star Game honor humbles Keller. The opportunity to play against the NHL’s top talents has left an impression on Keller.

“I’ve just felt super confi dent every single night. Like I said, not having any fear, just playing against other teams’ top players and learning that way,” said Keller, the Coyotes’ 10th player to be elected to multiple All-Star Games.

“It’s something that not everyone gets to do, and I defi nitely don’t take it for granted.”

Keller has clicked with new head coach André Tourigny, with whom he is building a rapport. Before joining the Coyotes, Tourigny spent three seasons as head coach of the Ottawa 67s in the Ontario Hockey League, fi nishing with a record of 130-52-16. Tourigny is the former assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators.

“He’s a very smart guy, great hockey coach, and we’ve developed a really good relationship,” Keller said. “And he’s just been super fun to play for and he wants us to win, and he really does care about us and has our backs.”

Through the fi rst 35 games of the season, the Coyotes sit at 8-23-4, holding 20 points.

Forward Clayton Keller will represent the Arizona Coyotes at the NHL AllStar Game on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/ Arizona Coyotes)

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