Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins reacts after scoring his 600th career goal in the second period during the game at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 23, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – More than a month into the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season, the NHL’s newest captain has been busy learning and growing as he features a “C” on his sweater for the first time. As he looks for inspiration and role models to emulate, Utah’s Clayton Keller received advice on his new role from one of the greatest NHL captains of all time, Sidney Crosby.
Like many young hockey players, Keller was enamored by Crosby’s legendary skill and accomplishments from a young age. As one of his favorite players, Keller constantly watched Crosby and could recall many of his greatest moments, including each of his three Stanley Cups.
A sensational talent.
A committed leader.
A player that changed the game forever.
Congratulations on 600 goals, Captain! pic.twitter.com/NAOFS4TN26— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) November 24, 2024
But in addition to his appreciation for everything Crosby could do with the puck on his stick, Crosby was also the perfect leader to emulate and is someone his dad encouraged him to follow on and off the ice.
Clayton Keller on Crosby: “He was just a player I loved to watch growing up…just love how he played, all the crazy goals that he scored & how young he was in the league…my dad always said he’s a player you want to look up to on & off the ice.”
Keller’s dog’s name is Crosby. pic.twitter.com/Y5bllRkAQQ
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) November 23, 2024
“He was just a player I loved to watch growing up. He was definitely one of my favorite players…I just love how he played, all the crazy goals that he scored and how young he was in the league and successful he was. The cups that he’s won, I remember watching pretty much all of them…my dad always said he’s a player you want to look up to on and off the ice,” Keller told KSL Sports.
“He’s like the Lebron James of hockey so it’s super cool to play against a guy like that,” Keller added.
So, what did arguably the greatest NHL captain of all time have to say to Keller?
In true Crosby fashion, the Penguins leader of more than 17 years provided sound advice in regard to what it takes to successfully wear the “C” in the NHL.
It’s also important to note that Crosby was willing to provide advice to Keller after reaching a remarkable milestone of 600 goals that was overshadowed by a 6-1 loss to Utah. But that’s just who Sid is.
Related: The Hat Trick: Utah HC Responds With Dominant Win Over Penguins While Crosby Scores No. 600
Sidney Crosby’s advice to Keller as Utah’s captain: “I think just be yourself. There’s always things to learn…you take that responsibility seriously…I don’t think he’s gotta put anymore pressure on his shoulders…he’s a big part of their team & he’s a captain for a reason…” pic.twitter.com/cksHwH68nw
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) November 24, 2024
“I think just be yourself,” Crosby told KSL Sports. “There’s always things to learn. Obviously, leadership comes from everybody. You take that responsibility seriously, but you rely on the group too. I don’t think he’s got to put any more pressure on his shoulders. He’s a big part of their team and he’s a captain for a reason. So, just keep doing what he’s doing.”
As Keller mentioned with his comparison to Lebron James, Crosby is one of the greatest of all time and has been the face of the NHL since he was just 17 years old.
For nearly two decades, No. 87 has carried the league and the Penguins on his shoulders while featuring a “C” on his sweater. He led his team to three cups, his country to a gold medal and kept Pittsburgh near the top of the league consistently while remaining humble.
If there’s ever a leader that Keller should continue to emulate, there’s no one better than Crosby.
The Utah Hockey Club will now wrap up their four-game road trip against Montreal on Tuesday night. 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.
