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College Standout Keller Playing a Determined Game

By Dan Scifo - Special to USA Hockey, 10/25/16, 5:00PM EDT

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2016 Patty Kazmaier Top-10 Finalist Gaining Confidence, International Experience

Boston College standout Megan Keller is honored and humbled to be considered one of the top collegiate defensemen across in the nation.

But there is a drive and determination from within that motivates Keller to work towards becoming one of the top defensemen on the world stage as a member of the U.S. National Women’s Team. Keller will compete with national team for the fourth time next week during the Four Nations Cup in Finland.

“It’s pretty surreal, but you never take anything for granted,” Keller said. “There are always younger girls coming up behind you and there are obviously older girls that are really talented around you. I just try to learn from each of them every day.”

Keller has played in two IIHF Women’s World Championships with the U.S. National Women’s Team, winning gold both times, while taking second in the 2014 Four Nations Cup.

“I think we’re all competitive at this level,” Keller said. “When you have people around you, competing against one another and pushing you to be better, that definitely drives each and every one of us to be the best that we can be and to get better every day.”

She credits her teammates and coaches, whom she called “the best in the world,” as support, allowing her to continue to succeed and grow.

“It’s definitely a different atmosphere with the national team,” Keller said. “I’m one of the younger girls over there, whereas in college I’m one of the veterans. You just take that competitive drive into the same game with the national team and that sense of learning and always being open to new experiences.

“There are a lot of older players and coaches that know the right things to do, so it’s a learning experience, and to be able to learn from the best is something I’m very fortunate to be part of.”

Keller has been an anchor on the blue line at Boston College.

She entered the season ranked fifth in program history among defensemen in scoring and goals and third in assists. Keller, a Top-10 finalist last season for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the best player in women’s college hockey, was also the fastest defenseman in program history to reach 50 and 75 points.

While the accolades are nice, Keller admits she doesn’t think much about them after helping Boston College to the brink of a national championship last season. Keller is taking on an additional leadership role as an assistant captain on this year’s team.

“Being able to learn from the veterans of the national team and the way they lead and try to do the right thing 100 percent of the time has definitely helped me,” Keller said.

A childhood idol has played a part, too.

Keller, a Farmington, Michigan native, is a self-described “huge” fan of Nicklas Lidstrom, the former Detroit Red Wings’ star defenseman and 2015 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.

“I remember going to games growing up and always being mesmerized by Nicklas Lidstrom,” Keller said. “He was always very poised with the puck. He would always see all his options and look so calm out there, and I think that’s one thing that I’ve tried to do with my game. He wasn’t afraid to get offensive, but he could also be physical when he needed to be. He was just an all-around great player and somebody I looked up to a lot.”

Keller recalled several times when her path crossed with Lidstrom at the Novi Ice Arena in Novi, Michigan.

“We bumped into him every now and then when I was younger and I went up to him just to get pucks signed,” Keller said. “I think even if I met him today I would probably be in awe. He’s one of the best defensemen and to be from [Detroit] and for him to play his career there, it was awesome to see, growing up and getting to watch him play.”

Now, Keller just wants to continue to play as one of the best, not only at the collegiate level with Boston College, but also on the world stage.

“I hope we win a national championship [at Boston College] because that’s on everybody’s radar,” Keller said. “As for the women’s national team, I think everybody’s goal is to continue to win gold medals at our upcoming tournaments and to carry it over into the Olympics.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.


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