Utah Hockey Club: How Clayton Keller Gives Back During Pregame Warmup Routine

Dec 18, 2024, 3:51 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – As Utah Hockey Club fans have come to realize, hockey is a different sport with very unique and special traditions. One of those traditions involves the initial team warmups where any fan is permitted to come up to glass, watch the team get ready and attempt to collect a puck from one of the players. During these moments, Utah Captain Clayton Keller looks to give back and embrace part of the culture that was impressed upon him as kid.

Clayton Keller pays it forward after an experience he had with the St. Louis Blues

In the NHL, many players take the opportunity to give back to the fans during pregame warmups by tossing pucks over the boards.

Usually, young fans will bring signs and wear the sweater of their favorite players in attempt to get one of these highly coveted pucks.

Long before Keller was playing in the NHL, he was thrown a puck at one of his very first St. Louis Blues games from franchise legend Barrett Jackman.

“I remember, one of my first Blue games that I went to, one of the players threw me a puck. It was actually Barrett Jackman, and I wore his number for the first couple of years because of that. That’s kind of a cool story that sticks with me,” Keller said.

Looking back, Keller recalls how much he looked up to every player on the Blues and now desires to leave a similar impression on young hockey fans by giving back the same way.

“I was a kid one day, and I looked up to all the guys on the Blues. Especially in warmups, I followed everything they did. So, I just want to give back and give them something to remember. If they’re new into hockey, hopefully they’re more excited about it…I try to do as much as I can,” Keller continued.

How can a fan be lucky enough to get a puck from Keller at a Utah Hockey Club game?

Being on the receiving end of a warmup puck is one of the most special moments for a young hockey fan.

To see an NHL player skating towards you with a puck on their stick, knowing they’re about to flip it over just for you makes for an absolutely unforgettable experience.

So, how can a fan better their chances of getting one? Keller said he looks for a couple things when choosing who to pick out.

“[I look for] Mostly people with my jersey on or signs I guess, I would say. Those are the first two things. But every now and again I’ll give it to a Utah fan obviously as well. But if someone has my jersey or a sign, I’ll go to them first,” Keller explained.

Utah Hockey Schedule

The Utah Hockey Club will now travel home to face the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday at Delta Center. 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

Utah Jazz Shocked By Phoenix Suns In Come-From-Behind Overtime Win

The Utah Jazz lost in dramatic fashion after a win looked all but secured against the Phoenix Suns in Footprint Center on Friday.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah State Defense Kennels Bulldogs In Aggie Win

FRESNO, California - Despite some warts, the Utah State Aggies proved to be the better team in an 89-81 win over Fresno State. 

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Isaiah Collier Sets Utah Jazz History In First Half Against Suns

Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier set a new franchise record in the first half against the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Rookie To Vet: Isaiah Collier Dime Sets Up Lauri Markkanen Dunk

In the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns, rookie guard Isaiah Collier set up Lauri Markkanen on the fastbreak for a highlight one-hand dunk.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Utah Jazz Vs. Phoenix Suns Blog: Live Updates, Analysis, And More

The Utah Jazz are down in the Valley to take on the Phoenix Suns in the first game after the trade deadline. Stay caught up with our live blog!

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Kyle Van Noy Links Up With BYU Football Stars Following Pro Bowl Festivities

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy just wrapped up his first-ever Pro Bowl weekend and met up with two former Cougar stars at a Super Bowl event.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

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.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah Hockey Club: How Clayton Keller Gives Back During Pregame Warmup Routine