SALT LAKE CITY – Clayton Keller, captain of the Utah Mammoth, has earned the honor of representing the United States at next month’s Olympics in Milan. The 27-year-old forward has been officially named as one of the 20 skaters on Team USA’s Olympic roster, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Joining him is teammate Olli Määttä, a defenseman who will compete for his native Finland, adding to the excitement for Mammoth fans and showcasing the talent within the team.
Keller’s impressive performance this season has placed him as a key player, as he is tied for the team lead in both points and assists. “It’s a big deal to go to the Olympics — that’s something you want on your resume for sure,” noted KSL Sports Zone host David James. Fans are now eagerly anticipating every shift Keller takes on the ice, hoping to see him shine on this prestigious international stage.
Despite some production challenges, Keller’s selection to the Olympic roster is a reflection of his overall contributions over the past 15 months, including serving as Utah’s first-ever captain. He concluded the 2024/25 season with 60 assists, the second-most among American players in the NHL, and totaled 90 points, ranking third among Americans.
“It means everything,” Keller stated regarding his representation of the U.S. “It’s the best feeling ever. I loved my time with the U.S. program. I can’t thank them enough for my development. USA hockey has come a long way and it’s only getting better.”
While the Mammoth did not qualify for the playoffs in their first season, Keller captained the U.S. team to a momentous victory, earning their first gold medal at the World Championship tournament in nearly a century. During the championship, he demonstrated his skill by scoring three goals and providing seven assists.
Keller is focused on adding to his medal collection in Milan. With a commitment to excellence, he declared, “It’s gold or it’s a failure. Simple as that. With the talent we have and what we expect out of going there. We expect to win. That’s it.”
Keller and the U.S. squad are set to kick off the men’s tournament against Latvia on February 12, with hopes high for a successful run in the competition. As he embarks on this Olympic journey, Keller’s determination to achieve gold inspires not only his teammates but also fans across the nation.