Auston Matthews reacts to Blues' tribute in memory of Clayton Keller's late father Bryan

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews publicly acknowledged the St. Louis Blues’ pre-game tribute to Bryan Keller, the late father of Utah Mammoth forward Clayton Keller, by reposting the commemorative video to his Instagram story on Saturday.

The Blues and Utah Mammoth held a one-minute moment of silence before puck drop displaying a black-and-white “In Loving Memory: Bryan Keller, 1964-2024” tribute on the arena screen. The banner featured a photo of Clayton Keller and his father.

Matthews shared that same tribute clip on his Instagram story hours later adding a prayer-hands emoji in a quiet gesture of support.

via Instagram /@austonmatthews

Clayton Keller took the ice for Utah on Friday night in Dallas just one day after learning of his father’s death. He was named the First Star on the emotional night. Utah continued its road trip in St. Louis on Saturday where the Blues delivered the arena tribute ahead of the game.

Matthews and Keller have long been connected through USA Hockey. The two were teammates on the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U18 roster and won gold together at the 2015 IIHF U18 World Championship.

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Clayton Keller reflects on emotional memories after losing father

Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller addressed the media on Saturday for the first time since the sudden passing of his father. The 27-year-old chose to play through the grief returning to his hometown of St. Louis just two days after the loss.

“For me and my family, a big thanks to the Blues for everything they did tonight,” Keller said. “They didn’t have to do that.”

Saturday’s game carried deep personal meaning for Keller. Family members including his mother and grandmother were in attendance as he skated in the same arena where he grew up watching NHL games.

“There’s a lot of memories at this rink,” Keller said. “I remember growing up and coming to games here, sitting on my dad’s lap and my grandpa’s lap. I admired those players and wanted to be out there.”

“So it’s definitely been a tough couple of days. I couldn’t have done it without my family and my teammates. They had my back always. I care for them.”

Keller, the seventh overall pick in 2016 and a four-time All-Star, has spent his entire 10-year career with the Arizona-Utah franchise. He entered the weekend with 21 points this season following a 90-point campaign last year.