{"id":496309,"date":"2026-03-10T10:40:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:40:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/496309\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T10:40:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T10:40:33","slug":"clayton-keller-draws-inspiration-from-late-father-expresses-gratitude-towards-utah-mammoth-fans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/496309\/","title":{"rendered":"Clayton Keller Draws Inspiration From Late Father, Expresses Gratitude Towards Utah Mammoth Fans"},"content":{"rendered":"

SALT LAKE CITY \u2013 Following the unexpected passing of his father in November, Utah Mammoth Captain Clayton Keller recently received support from fans as they gathered to write letters of love and encouragement during the game on Monday night.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Keller expressed his appreciation towards the fanbase and shared how he continues to draw inspiration from his late father.<\/p>\n

Utah Mammoth fans rally around Clayton Keller after loss of father<\/p>\n

Roughly a week after Utah Mammoth Captain Clayton Keller unexpectedly lost his father, fans collectively showed their support as they wrote numerous letters for No. 9 during both intermissions on Monday night.<\/p>\n

Similar to the\u00a0\u2018Letters to Ingram\u2019<\/a>\u00a0gathering that took place last season, several individuals drew inspiration from that event to coordinate letters of love and appreciation for their captain amidst a time of loss.<\/p>\n

Related: Utah Mammoth Forward Clayton Keller Expected To Play Against Stars Following Death Of Father<\/a><\/p>\n

After seeing the news of Bryan Keller\u2019s tragic passing, Utah Mammoth fan Krystal Dodge quickly sprang into action to generate support for Keller.<\/p>\n

As someone who lost her stepfather several years ago, the story resonated with her, and she felt inspired to do something meaningful.<\/p>\n

\u201cI lost my stepdad, the only dad I ever had in my life three years ago,\u201d Dodge said. \u201cWhen I heard that his dad passed away, it really hit close to home for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are professional athletes but underneath that, they\u2019re people. Sometimes, it\u2019s easy for some people to forget that they\u2019re real people and go through hard times. I felt that it was important for the community to show out and show our support for the captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Similar to \u2018Letters To Ingram,\u2019 Dodge coordinated letters for Keller at the Delta Center during both intermissions against the Los Angeles Kings.<\/p>\n

For those who couldn\u2019t attend, she also accepted letters online from around the country and even received one from Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople [have been] reaching out, telling me their own experiences that they\u2019ve gone through with loss,\u201d Dodge explained. \u201cPeople from Australia for instance wanting to write a letter and people from all over the country wanting to write letters who couldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what makes this community special. It\u2019s the people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once all the letters are gathered, Dodge hopes that Keller will feel supported and understand that Utah is always behind him.<\/p>\n

Clayton Keller draws inspiration from late father, expresses gratitude towards fans<\/p>\n

For the first time since his father, Bryan, unexpectedly passed away, Keller was able to light the lamp for his team on home ice.<\/p>\n

Immediately after scoring and celebrating with his linemates, Keller then pointed up to the sky to honor his dad with the goal.<\/p>\n

I know they lost but this is an absolute beauty from Keller.<\/p>\n

Pinpoint accuracy. https:\/\/t.co\/GMrgi2HDrc<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201c[He inspires me] Always. Every day. I wouldn\u2019t be in this position without him and everything he taught me,\u201d Keller explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nice to get one. I know him & my grandpa are up there watching every single game now. That makes me feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the game, Keller was notified of the fan\u2019s letters, which he then shared with his mom and brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe support has been amazing from everyone, honestly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did see that [the letters]. Super cool moment. I sent it to my mom and brother. They were so excited. So cool for them to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the captain, the support from the Mammoth fanbase from day one has meant the world to not only himself, but every member of the team.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve been so good. Always supporting us and you know, we love playing at home in front of our fans. I appreciate them so much. The support means the world to all of us in this room, and we\u2019ve got to get some more wins for them,\u201d Keller explained.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s next for the Utah Mammoth?<\/p>\n

The Utah Mammoth will continue their three-game home stand against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. MT.<\/p>\n

The game will be available on Mammoth+.<\/p>\n

All Mammoth games will also be broadcast live on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM\/1280 AM).<\/p>\n

Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports.\u00a0Keep up with him on X here<\/a>.\u00a0You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
\nTake us with you, wherever you go.<\/p>\n

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah\u2019s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow @BagleyKSLsports<\/a><\/p>\n

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