Clayton Keller, the captain of the Utah Mammoth, is making his Olympic debut with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Reflecting on the importance of team chemistry, Keller believes that strong bonds among teammates are crucial for achieving success in the Olympics. “The team that comes together and is the closest is the team that ultimately wins,” he stated shortly after being announced as a member of the national team.
With the final NHL games before the Olympic break wrapped up last Thursday, players traveled to Italy over the weekend and quickly took to the ice for their first practice on Monday. Team USA kicked off the tournament with a convincing 5-1 victory over Latvia, although Keller was not on the ice for this game. Fortunately, he already shares a strong rapport with several teammates, including the Tkachuk brothers, whom he has known since childhood while growing up in St. Louis.
Keller and his fellow St. Louis natives, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, have thriving careers, with Matthew drafted sixth overall in 2016 by the Calgary Flames and later winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers. Keller himself was picked seventh overall by the Arizona Coyotes. “The St. Louis connection is pretty cool,” Keller remarked, expressing excitement about playing alongside the Tkachuks again.
He also highlighted the close friendship he shares with USA goalie Jake Oettinger, having attended Boston University together before both entering the NHL. Keller emphasized the evolution of USA Hockey over the years, noting the significant progress made, especially in recent events. “It’s insane, honestly, from where it’s come,” he said, recognizing the opportunity this Olympic team has to set a positive tone for future competitions.
The past year has been monumental for USA Hockey, with remarkable performances leading to a historic gold medal in the IIHF World Championship, the first for the team since 1933, a victory that Keller proudly led. He has participated in three World Championships, contributing a total of 10 goals and 11 assists.
Keller attributed the team’s success to their strong commitment and camaraderie, reflecting on the group’s chosen activity of card games, which could very well continue in the Olympic Village. On a personal level, Keller feels prepared for this monumental stage, determined to showcase his skills. He is not only eyeing Olympic success but is also on track to achieve his fourth consecutive 70-point NHL season after setting a career-high of 90 points in the Mammoth’s debut season.
As Team USA prepares for their upcoming group stage matches against Denmark and Germany, Keller remains focused and optimistic about both the Olympics and his team’s future in the Stanley Cup playoffs. With the potential for success on both fronts, Keller’s Olympic journey could pave the way for great achievements in his career and provide an inspiring narrative for aspiring athletes.