Sidney Crosby Offers Advice To Utah Hockey Club Captain Clayton Keller

Nov 25, 2024, 12:52 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – More than a month into the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season, the NHL’s newest captain has been busy learning and growing as he features a “C” on his sweater for the first time. As he looks for inspiration and role models to emulate, Utah’s Clayton Keller received advice on his new role from one of the greatest NHL captains of all time, Sidney Crosby.

Clayton Keller has looked up to Sidney Crosby since he was young

Like many young hockey players, Keller was enamored by Crosby’s legendary skill and accomplishments from a young age. As one of his favorite players, Keller constantly watched Crosby and could recall many of his greatest moments, including each of his three Stanley Cups.

But in addition to his appreciation for everything Crosby could do with the puck on his stick, Crosby was also the perfect leader to emulate and is someone his dad encouraged him to follow on and off the ice.

“He was just a player I loved to watch growing up. He was definitely one of my favorite players…I just love how he played, all the crazy goals that he scored and how young he was in the league and successful he was. The cups that he’s won, I remember watching pretty much all of them…my dad always said he’s a player you want to look up to on and off the ice,” Keller told KSL Sports.

“He’s like the Lebron James of hockey so it’s super cool to play against a guy like that,” Keller added.

Crosby provided sound advice to Utah Hockey Club’s new captain

So, what did arguably the greatest NHL captain of all time have to say to Keller?

In true Crosby fashion, the Penguins leader of more than 17 years provided sound advice in regard to what it takes to successfully wear the “C” in the NHL.

It’s also important to note that Crosby was willing to provide advice to Keller after reaching a remarkable milestone of 600 goals that was overshadowed by a 6-1 loss to Utah. But that’s just who Sid is.

Related: The Hat Trick: Utah HC Responds With Dominant Win Over Penguins While Crosby Scores No. 600

“I think just be yourself,” Crosby told KSL Sports. “There’s always things to learn. Obviously, leadership comes from everybody. You take that responsibility seriously, but you rely on the group too. I don’t think he’s got to put any more pressure on his shoulders. He’s a big part of their team and he’s a captain for a reason. So, just keep doing what he’s doing.”

As Keller mentioned with his comparison to Lebron James, Crosby is one of the greatest of all time and has been the face of the NHL since he was just 17 years old.

For nearly two decades, No. 87 has carried the league and the Penguins on his shoulders while featuring a “C” on his sweater. He led his team to three cups, his country to a gold medal and kept Pittsburgh near the top of the league consistently while remaining humble.

If there’s ever a leader that Keller should continue to emulate, there’s no one better than Crosby.

Utah Hockey Schedule

The Utah Hockey Club will now wrap up their four-game road trip against Montreal on Tuesday night. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule. 

Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Tom Holmoe On Decision To Retire As BYU’s AD, What’s Next

BYU AD Tom Holmoe discussed the end of a 20-year run overseeing Cougar athletics.

22 minutes ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Doncic, James Probable As Jazz Host Lakers

Luka Doncic is expected to play in his first road game as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers when they travel to face the Utah Jazz..

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Real Salt Lake Will Host Club América In Phase 1 Of Leagues Cup

As a part of the seeding phase of the Leagues Cup, Real Salt Lake will host three different sides from Liga MX, Mexico's top-flight league, at America First Field, including Club América, one of North America's most popular and recognizable teams.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

BYU Basketball Takeaways From Complete Team Win At West Virginia

Key takeaways from BYU's big win at West Virginia.

17 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah State Roughs Up Rams In Blowout Win

LOGAN, Utah - The three ball was falling in spades for Utah State, as the Aggies built a big early lead before holding on for the 93-85 win.

18 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Who Could Replace Tom Holmoe As BYU’s Athletic Director?

Looking at the potential candidates to replace Tom Holmoe as BYU's next athletic director.

20 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Sidney Crosby Offers Advice To Utah Hockey Club Captain Clayton Keller