‘Dateline’ examines the murder of ex-Elmira hockey player Kelley Clayton’s wife

(NBC News) – In Friday’s “Dateline,” former hockey player Tom Clayton discovers his wife Kelley Clayton was murdered in their home, when their young daughter says she saw a robber at the crime scene, the true identity of the killer turns out to be much more complicated.

Here is a preview of Andrea Canning’s report:

Kelley came home quite often to visit, including Christmas 2003. By then, Elmira had a new attraction: a minor league hockey team.

Kim Bourgeois: My mom and my sister and I were at a hockey game, an Elmira Jackals hockey game. And this player is taped into the boards, and his helmet comes off, and the three of us were like, “Wow. He’s kinda cute.

“He” was Tom Clayton. He served as the “instigator” of the Jackals – the guy who starts the fights. When he and Kelley met eyes that night, the game was over.

Kim Bourgeois: She met him this weekend. She met him this weekend.

ANDREA CANNING: She met the wrong boy.

Kim Bourgeois: Yes she did.

ANDREA CANNING: Was it instant for them?

Kim Bourgeois: Yes. It was.

They married about two years later. A few years after their marriage came the children. Almost 10 years into the marriage, Kelley was still gushing over her Tom.

GREG MILLER: She was just talking about, “He’s the best guy. I mean, I hit the jackpot with him.

Watch “Dateline: The House in the Woods” Friday at 10 p.m. on NBC4.

About ‘Dateline‘

“Dateline NBC” is the longest-running series in NBC primetime history and is in its 30th season. Dateline is anchored by Lester Holt and features correspondents Andrea Canning, Josh Mankiewicz, Natalie Morales, Keith Morrison and Dennis Murphy.

Dateline is the #1 Friday newsmagazine and reaches more than 17 million people each week through its circulation, and millions more through its social media platforms and podcasts.

The stories range from compelling mysteries to powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. When the big news breaks, they go to the scene, putting the pieces together to give the viewer the full picture. And in every story they tell, they help the real people who lived through the events to share their journeys with the viewer.

Last season, Dateline launched two new podcasts, “Mommy Doomsday” and “Killer Role,” hosted by correspondent Keith Morrison.

In February, NBC also debuted a straight-up series inspired by the story featured on the Dateline podcast series, “The Thing About Pam.” Two-time Oscar-winning actress Renee Zellweger will star and executive produce the series, in collaboration with Blumhouse Television, NBC News Studios and Zellweger’s Big Picture Co.