ARIZONA COYOTES

Coyotes prospect Clayton Keller lifts BU to double-overtime victory

Mar 25, 2017, 7:51 AM | Updated: 1:45 pm

Arizona Coyotes prospect Clayton Keller is looking strong at the NCAA level, especially after setting up a game-winning goal to lift Boston University to a double overtime win.

The Terriers took down defending NCAA champion North Dakota in the first round of the NCAA tournament in a 4-3 thriller. It took 11 minutes and 48 seconds of double OT before Keller set up Bruins prospect Charlie McAvoy for the deciding goal.

Keller, a center from Chesterfield, Missouri, had collected 20-22-42 in 29 games heading into the tournament. He also posted 3-8-11 in seven games at the U20 World Junior Championships. The Coyotes selected him seventh overall in the 2016 draft.

Coyotes fans who want to see Keller make those kind of plays at the NHL level may not have to wait long. ESPN Insider Craig Custance reported that the Coyotes may try to get him NHL action as soon as this season when his collegiate season is over.

It seems like McAvoy, a defenseman and 14th overall pick in 2016, thinks his teammate is ready to go.

“He’s very dynamic. He’s very elusive,” McAvoy said in the Insider piece. “He lacks a bit in the size department but it’s never slowed him down. He’s someone who has great skill, great hands, great hockey sense. He can shoot the puck, as well. He’s a fast, speedy player and he’s able to get around the bigger guys. He’s slippery.”

Boston University will face the winner of University of Minnesota-Duluth and Ohio State in the regional final at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

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