Position	Centre
Shot	Left
Nickname(s)	Clarkie, Whitey
Height Weight	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 176 lb (80 kg/12 st 8 lb)
Pro Clubs	Philadelphia Flyers
Nationality	Canada
Born	August 13, 1949 (1949-08-13) (age 58), Flin Flon, MB, CAN
NHL Draft	17th overall, 1969 Philadelphia Flyers
Pro Career	1969 – 1984
Hall of Fame, 1987

Robert Earle Clarke, O.C. (born August 13, 1949 in Flin Flon, Manitoba), better known as Bobby Clarke, is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played his entire National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Philadelphia Flyers. During his 15 season playing career, he led the Flyers to two Stanley Cups and was awarded the Hart Trophy as league MVP three times. A 1987 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Clarke was rated number 23 on The Hockey News' list of The Top 100 NHL Players of All-Time in 1998.^[1] The position an ice hockey player plays can be divided into three basic categories: Forwards Centre Wingers Defenceman Goaltender ... Centre or center in ice hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. ... A shot in ice hockey is an attempt by a player to score a goal by striking the puck with his stick in the direction of the net. ... EXAMPLE:Laughbox,Blondie,BamBam,Pinkie,etc. ... Stature redirects here. ... Weight, in the context of human body weight measurements in the medical sciences and in sports is a measurement of mass, and is thus expressed in units of mass, such as kilograms (kg), or units of force such as pounds (lb). ... Look up pound in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Kg redirects here. ... Look up pound in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... In English usage, nationality is the legal relationship between a person and a country. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... For other uses, see Birthday (disambiguation). ... is the 225th day of the year (226th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Flin Flon, Manitoba-Saskatchewan (pop. ... Motto: Gloriosus et Liber (Latin: Glorious and free) Capital Winnipeg Largest city Winnipeg Official languages English French (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor John Harvard Premier Gary Doer (NDP) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 14 Senate seats 6 Confederation July 15, 1870 (5th) Area  Ranked 8th Total 647,797... Motto (Latin for From Sea to Sea) Anthem O Canada Royal anthem: God Save the Queen Capital Ottawa Largest city Toronto Official languages English, French Government Parliamentary democracy and federal constitutional monarchy  -  Monarch Queen Elizabeth II  -  Governor General Michaëlle Jean  -  Prime Minister Stephen Harper Establishment  -  Act of Union February... The NHL Entry Draft is a collective meeting in which the franchises of the National Hockey League systematically select the rights to available amateur players who meet the eligibility requirements to play professional hockey in the NHL. // The first NHL Amateur Draft was held on June 5, 1963 at the... The 1969 NHL Amateur Draft was held at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ... The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... Hockey Hall of Fame logo The Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is dedicated to the history of ice hockey with exhibits featuring memorabilia and NHL trophies (including the Stanley Cup) along with interactive activities. ... Seal of the Order of Canada The Order of Canada is Canadas highest civilian honour, with membership awarded to those who exemplify the Orders Latin motto Desiderantes meliorem patriam, which means (those) desiring a better country (Hebrews 11. ... is the 225th day of the year (226th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1949 (MCMXLIX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Flin Flon, Manitoba-Saskatchewan (pop. ... Motto: Gloriosus et Liber (Latin: Glorious and free) Capital Winnipeg Largest city Winnipeg Official languages English French (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor John Harvard Premier Gary Doer (NDP) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 14 Senate seats 6 Confederation July 15, 1870 (5th) Area  Ranked 8th Total 647,797... Ice hockey, known simply as hockey in areas where it is more common than field hockey, is a team sport played on ice. ... Centre or center in ice hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. ... NHL redirects here. ... The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... The Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup (French: ) is the championship trophy of the National Hockey League (NHL), the major professional ice hockey league in Canada and the United States. ... The Hart Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the most valuable ice hockey player in the National Hockey League during the regular season. ... Hockey Hall of Fame logo The Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is dedicated to the history of ice hockey with exhibits featuring memorabilia and NHL trophies (including the Stanley Cup) along with interactive activities. ... The Hockey News is a North American hockey newspaper. ...

A talented playmaker, he had three 100-point seasons, twice led the league in assists,^[2] and played in eight NHL All-Star Games. He was also a great defensive player, a great checker, and one of the best in the face-off circle. One of the game's great leaders, Clarke was the captain of the notorious Broad Street Bullies during their heyday in the mid-1970s. The Bullies were a reflection of their captain, who had a tireless work ethic, a strong will to win, and a willingness to do anything it took to win even if it meant bending the rules.^[3] The latter, some say,^[4] is exemplified best by Clarke's infamous slash to the ankle of Valeri Kharlamov during the Summit Series in 1972, which is still the source of controversy to the present day.^[5] The National Hockey League All-Star Game (French: Match des Étoiles de la Ligue Nationale de Hockey) is an exhibition ice hockey game that marks the midway point of the National Hockey Leagues regular season, with many of the star players playing against each other. ... This page indexes the individual year in sports pages. ... Valery Kharlamov (January 14, 1948 - August 27, 1981) was a star ice hockey player from the Soviet Union. ... For other uses, see Summit Series (disambiguation). ...

Clarke retired following the 1983–84 season with 358 goals and 852 assists for a total of 1210 points in 1144 games, and immediately became general manager of the Flyers. He spent 19 of the following 23 seasons as a GM of the Flyers, also briefly serving as GM of the Minnesota North Stars and Florida Panthers, and reached the Stanley Cup Finals three times with the Flyers and once with Minnesota. His time as an NHL GM had its share of controversy, perhaps none greater than the rift between him and star player Eric Lindros during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He resigned from the GM position less than a month into the 2006–07 season and is currently the Flyers Senior Vice President. The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League between 1967 and 1993. ... For the animal species by this name, see Florida Panther. ... Eric Bryan Lindros (born February 28, 1973 in London, Ontario, Canada) is a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League. ... For the band, see 1990s (band). ... // The World Series (in 2000, 2002, 2005, and 2006), NBA Finals (in 2003 and 2005), BCS (in 2004) and Mens NCAA Basketball Championship Game (in 2004) all hit record lows in Nielsen ratings and/or total viewers in America. ...

Early life

Born in the small northern Manitoban mining town of Flin Flon,^[6] Clarke began playing organized hockey when he was eight years old.^[7] Around the time he was 12 or 13 years old, he learned he had diabetes.^[8] Even though he progressed into a highly touted prospect playing for the Flin Flon Bombers, leading the league in which the Bombers played in scoring in each of his last three years of junior hockey, NHL teams feared Clarke would never be able to play in the NHL because of his diabetes.^[6] Bombers coach Pat Ginnell took Clarke to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota following the 1967–68 season and the doctors concluded that as long as he took care of himself he could play professionally.^[7] Ginnell asked the doctors to write that statement down and when NHL scouts came to watch the Bombers play during the 1968–69 season, Ginnell showed them the doctor's verdict.^[7] Diabetes mellitus type 1 (Type 1 diabetes, Type I diabetes, T1D, IDDM) is a form of diabetes mellitus. ... The Flin Flon Bombers are a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) team based in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. ... Main campus in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. ... Capital Saint Paul Largest city Minneapolis Largest metro area Minneapolis-St. ...

Even with such assurances Clarke fell to the second round of the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft and was finally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers 17th overall. After Gerry Melnyk, a scout and administrative assistant with the Flyers, tried to convince general manager Bud Poile to draft Clarke with their first round pick and failed^[9] — Poile drafted Bob Currier instead, a player who retired five years later and, ironically, never played a game in the NHL — Melnyk called a diabetes specialist in Philadelphia who said Clarke would be fine if he looked after his health.^[6][8][9] Melnyk then successfully convinced Poile to draft Clarke when the Flyers second round pick came around.^[9] The Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens immediately offered the Flyers a deal for Clarke, Detroit offering two veteran players and Montreal offering a deal "Flyers management could hardly refuse."^[7] The Flyers refused both offers and made it clear Clarke was not for sale.^[7] The 1969 NHL Amateur Draft was held at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ... The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... Gerry Melnyk (born September 16, 1934 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward. ... Norman R. Bud Poile (February 10, 1924 – January 4, 2005) was a professional hockey player, coach, general manager, and league executive. ... Bob Currier (born November 29, 1949 in Cornwall, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. ... The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. ... The Montreal Canadiens (French: ) are a professional mens hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ...

After he suffered two serious diabetic seizures during training camp that fall after eating light breakfasts,^[7] Flyers trainer and equipment manager Frank Lewis came up with a pre-game diet plan that Clarke followed the rest of his career.^[7] He would drink a bottle of Coca-Cola with three spoons of dissolved sugar before a game, drink a half glass of orange juice with sugar added between periods, and then a full glass following the game.^[7] Lewis also kept chocolate bars and a tube of glucose in his bag on hand in case of an emergency.^[7] The wave shape (known as the dynamic ribbon device) present on all Coca-Cola cans throughout the world derives from the contour of the original Coca-Cola bottles. ...

NHL career

Bobby Clarke's jersey hanging in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Wearing #16, Clarke made his NHL debut on October 11, 1969 against the Minnesota North Stars.^[10] He recorded his first point on October 22 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, an assist on Lew Morrison's 3rd period goal,^[11] and he scored his first goal on October 30 against the New York Rangers, beating Rangers goaltender Ed Giacomin 16:36 into the 3rd period.^[12] Clarke played the entire 76-game schedule his rookie season, recording 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists) and earning a trip to the NHL All-Star Game.^[13] Clarke led the Flyers in scoring during his sophomore season, 1970–71, with 27 goals and 36 assists for a total of 63 points in 77 games. His efforts helped the Flyers make the playoffs, but Clarke was held scoreless in his first playoff action and the Flyers lost in four games to the Chicago Black Hawks.^[7] Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1920x2560, 937 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bobby Clarke Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1920x2560, 937 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Bobby Clarke Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to... is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1969 (number) 1969 (movie) 1969 (Stargate SG-1) episode. ... The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League between 1967 and 1993. ... is the 295th day of the year (296th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Toronto Maple Leafs (disambiguation). ... Lewis Lew Morrison (born February 11, 1948 in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan) is a retired former professional ice hockey player who played 563 NHL games for the Philadelphia Flyers, Atlanta Flames, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. ... is the 303rd day of the year (304th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York, New York, U.S.A. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). ... Eddie Giacomin (June 6, 1939 in Sudbury, Ontario) was a Canadian professional ice hockey goalie who played for the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League, as well as the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. ... The National Hockey League All-Star Game (French: Match des Étoiles de la Ligue Nationale de Hockey) is an exhibition ice hockey game that marks the midway point of the National Hockey Leagues regular season, with many of the star players playing against each other. ... The Chicago Blackhawks are a National Hockey League team based in Chicago, Illinois. ...

A tooth abscess was the cause of a slow start to the 1971–72 season;^[9] 20 pounds underweight, Clarke only managed 5 goals and 11 assists 31 games into the season.^[9] He rebounded over the final 47 games, scoring 30 goals and 35 assists^[9] and bringing his totals to 35 goals and 46 assists. His dedication was rewarded when he became the first Flyer to win a major NHL award, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy,^[7] and the Flyers re-signed him to a 5-year contract worth $100,000 per season, a raise of $75,000 per season.^[13] A tooth abscess or root abscess is pus enclosed in the tissues of the jaw bone at the tip of an infected tooth. ... Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. ...

A few months following his strong play during the Summit Series for Team Canada, Clarke was named the Flyers team captain at age 23, the youngest to ever assume that role in NHL history at the time.^[2] As leader of the brawling Broad Street Bullies, Clarke became the first player from an expansion team to score more than 100 points in a season,^[2] 104 points (37 goals, 67 assists) total. Facing the Minnesota North Stars in the first round, the Flyers and Clarke received a scare. Clarke was hit in the eye with a stick which broke his contact lens and was rushed to the hospital.^[9] After removing parts of his broken contact from under the eye, Clarke returned to the lineup the next game despite having suffered a scratched cornea^[9] and the Flyers won their first playoff series. The Flyers lost to the Montreal Canadiens during the next round, but Clarke was later awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP. For other uses, see Summit Series (disambiguation). ... The Canadian national mens hockey team is overseen by Hockey Canada. ... The National Hockey League added six new franchises for the 1967-68 NHL season, doubling the size of the league. ... The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League between 1967 and 1993. ... The Montreal Canadiens (French: ) are a professional mens hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ... Hart Memorial Trophy on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame The Hart Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the ice hockey player who is most valuable to his team in the National Hockey League during the regular season. ...

Clarke's production fell to 87 points in 77 games during the 1973–74 regular season, but his leadership and Bernie Parent's stellar goaltending led the Flyers to the second best record in the league and to the Stanley Cup Finals to play the team with the best record, the Boston Bruins. After losing Game 1, Clarke scored arguably the biggest goal of his career in overtime of Game 2, putting a rebound shot in over Bruins goaltender Gilles Gilbert.^[9] The Flyers won three of the next four games and became the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup.^[2] Clarke was later awarded the Lester B. Pearson Award as the players MVP. Clarke set the NHL record, at the time, for most assists by a centerman with 89^[9] during the 1974–75 season on his way to a 116 point season. The Flyers returned to the Stanley Cup Finals and defeated the Buffalo Sabres in six games, repeating as Stanley Cup champions. In addition to the second championship, Clarke was awarded the Hart Trophy for the second time. Bernard Marcel Parent (born April 3, 1945 in Montreal, Quebec) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. ... The Boston Bruins are a professional mens ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts. ... Gilles Gilbert (born March 31, 1949 in Saint-Esprit, Quebec) is a retired former ice hockey goaltender who was drafted in the third round of the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft from the London Knights. ... The Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup (French: ) is the championship trophy of the National Hockey League (NHL), the major professional ice hockey league in Canada and the United States. ... Lester B. Pearson Award on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame The Lester B. Pearson Award is awarded annually to the National Hockey Leagues outstanding player in the regular season, as judged by members of the NHL Players Association (NHLPA). ... The Buffalo Sabres is the best professional ice hockey team around. ...

1975–76 was a record breaking season for Clarke. Playing on the LCB line with Reggie Leach and Bill Barber, the trio set a record for most goals by a line with 141.^[14] He also tied his mark of the previous season with 89 assists and set a personal best and franchise record for most points in a single season with 119 (later broken by Mark Recchi in 1992–93).^[15] The Flyers, without Parent and Rick MacLeish,^[9] returned to the Finals, but were swept by Montreal. Clarke was awarded the Hart Trophy one final time as the league's MVP. Clarke's production would drop off over the next few seasons; in fact, his point total fell six seasons in a row. But the Flyers remained contenders, reaching the semifinals and losing to Boston in 1976–77 and 1977–78. Reginald Joseph Leach (born 23 April 1950 in Riverton, Manitoba, Canada) is a retired professional ice hockey right winger who played in the NHL between 1970 and 1983. ... William Charles Bill Barber (born July 11, 1952 in Callander, Ontario) is a former Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League. ... Mark Recchi (born February 1, 1968 in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada) is an ice hockey player for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League. ... Rick MacLeish (born 3 January 1950 in Cannington, Ontario, Canada) is a former professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings. ...

After a quarterfinal loss to the Rangers in 1978–79, Clarke was named an assistant coach.^[9] In order to become an assistant he had to give up the captaincy due to NHL rules,^[9] so Mel Bridgman was named the 4th captain in Flyers history. His first season as a playing assistant coach, 1979–80, saw the Flyers go on an undefeated streak of 35 games, not only the longest in NHL history, but the longest in North American professional sports history.^[16] The Flyers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals before losing to the New York Islanders in six games. During the playoffs, Clarke scored 8 goals and assisted on 12 others in 19 games, all 8 goals coming on the power play.^[13] Following the playoffs, Clarke was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy along with Flyers owner Ed Snider and former Flyers coach Fred Shero. Melvin John Bridgman (born on April 28, 1955 in Trenton, Ontario, Canada) is a former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League for 14 seasons from 1975-76 until 1988-89. ... The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, a hamlet located on Long Island in Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, United States. ... The Lester Patrick Trophy has been has presented by the National Hockey League since 1966 to honour a recipients contribution to hockey in the United States. ... Edward M. Snider (born January 6, 1933, Washington, D.C.) is the Chairman of Comcast-Spectacor, an entity which oversees the operation of the Philadelphia Flyers NHL franchise, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA franchise, the Philadelphia Phantoms minor league hockey team, the Wachovia Center, the Wachovia Spectrum, the regional sports network... Fred Shero (October 23, 1925 - November 24, 1990) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach. ...

During the 1980–81 season, Clarke hit a personal milestone in memorable fashion. On March 19, 1981 during a game against the Boston Bruins, a Reggie Leach slapshot struck Clarke.^[9] After leaving the ice, he re-appeared moments later stitched up and with his jersey covered in blood.^[9] 31 seconds into the third period Clarke beat Bruins goalie Marco Baron for his 19th goal of the season^[17] and his 1000th career point.^[9] The Boston Bruins are a professional mens ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts. ... Marco Joseph Baron (born April 4, 1959 in Montreal, Quebec) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. ... The following is a list of ice hockey players who have scored 1000 points in the National Hockey League. ...

Despite his diabetes and hard-nosed play, Clarke proved to be remarkably durable. A broken foot suffered during the 1981–82 season^[13] limited him to 62 games, the only time in his career he played fewer than 70 games in a season. No longer an assistant coach, Clarke reassumed the captaincy from Bill Barber during 1982–83. He skated in his 1000th career game on October 23, 1982 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Clarke had his best season since 1977–78, scoring 85 points in 80 games. He also won the Frank J. Selke Trophy, given annually to the league's best defensive forward. After the Flyers were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round for the third straight season in 1983–84 and the general manager position opened up after Bob McCammon resigned,^[9] Clarke retired on May 15, 1984 to become the General Manager of the Flyers.^[9] This is a list of ice hockey players who have played 1000 games in the National Hockey League. ... The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ... The Frank J. Selke Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game. ... Bob McCammon (born April 14, 1941 in Kenora, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player and a former NHL head coach and general manager. ... is the 135th day of the year (136th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ...

International play

See also: Canadian national men's hockey team

Clarke played for Team Canada three times during his career. He played a major role in defeating the Soviet Union during the Summit Series in 1972, captained the Canadian team to gold at the 1976 Canada Cup, and won a bronze medal at the 1982 World Championships. In addition, he led the Flyers to the only outright victory over the Soviet Union's best team, Soviet Red Army, during the 1976 Super Series, and took part in the 1979 Challenge Cup with the NHL All-Stars. After his playing career, he served as one of Canada's four general managers during the 1987 and 1991 Canada Cups^[14] and served as Canada's lone GM during the 1998 Winter Olympics. The Canadian national mens hockey team is overseen by Hockey Canada. ... For other uses, see Summit Series (disambiguation). ... After the Summit Series of 1972 and 1974, the NHL and NHLPA decided to broaden the scope of the competition, inviting to the tournament a number of hockey countries and allowing each invited country to send the best possible team they could muster. ... Philadelphia Flyers versus USSR Red Army team (Central Sports Army Club Moscow, Russian: ХК ЦСКА Москва) HC CSKA Moscow was one of the most dominant sports teams in history, winning the Soviet championship for 13 consecutive years between 1977 and 1989. ... This article is about exhibition ice hockey games from 1976 to 1991. ... 1979 Challenge Cup was an ice hockey exhibition series between the Soviet national ice hockey team and a team of all-stars from the National Hockey League, held in New York City. ... Tournament MVP Wayne Gretzky celebrates Canadas victory The 1987 Canada Cup was a Professional ice hockey world championships series in 1987. ... Wayne Gretzky celebrates Canadas victory with Mark Messier The 1991 Canada Cup was a Professional ice hockey world championships series in 1991. ... The 1998 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XVIII Olympic Winter Games, were celebrated in 1998 in Nagano, Japan. ...

Summit Series

Coming off his third NHL season, Clarke was the last player Team Canada selected to play in the Summit Series.^[3] His line with Ron Ellis and Paul Henderson turned out to be Canada's best during the series,^[3] Clarke tallying two goals and four assists in the eight game series won by Canada as well as being awarded Team Canada MVP in game one of the series.^[3] Clarke's play earned the respect of many during the series, Henderson saying, "The best thing that could have happened to Ronnie (Ellis) and me was to get this young kid making plays for us. He was terrific!"^[3] Wayne Cashman would add, "There were guys on Team Canada who took their game to new heights in that series. A perfect example would be Bobby Clarke."^[3] The Russian team's assistant coach, Boris Kulagin, thought Clarke was Canada's best player.^[9] Though he earned much praise due to his play, he was also criticized for an incident during the sixth game which is often referred to as, "The Slash."^[5] Category: Possible copyright violations ... Signature of Canadian hockey player Paul Henderson Paul Henderson (born January 28, 1943 in Lucknow, Ontario, Canada) is a retired Canadian hockey left winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Flames. ... Wayne Cashman (born June 24, 1945) is a Canadian NHL coach and former player. ...

Clarke's line played against the line of the Soviet's top player, Valeri Kharlamov, during the entire series.^[6] After being on the receiving end of some stick work from Kharlamov while going for the puck,^[6] Clarke caught up with Kharlamov and laid a two-handed slash across his already sore ankle.^[6] The slash broke Kharlamov's ankle^[18] and, though he finished the game, he missed the seventh game and was largely ineffective in the eighth.^[18] When asked about the slash years later, Clarke said, "If I hadn't learned to lay on a two-hander once in a while, I'd never have left Flin Flon."^[3] 30 years after the series, Henderson criticized Clarke, calling the slash, "the low point of the series."^[5] Clarke responded saying that he thought it was, "improper to criticize a teammate 30 years later," and that he didn't, "understand why he would bring it up now."^[5] Kharlamov, prior to his death in 1981, said he thought Clarke was tasked with, "taking me out of the game."^[18] John Ferguson, Sr., an assistant coach with Team Canada in 1972, said, "I called Clarke over to the bench, looked over at Kharlamov and said, 'I think he needs a tap on the ankle.' I didn't think twice about it. It was Us versus Them. And Kharlamov was killing us. I mean, somebody had to do it. And I sure wasn't going to ask Henderson."^[5] Clarke, however, does not recall Ferguson telling him this.^[6] Valery Kharlamov (January 14, 1948 - August 27, 1981) was a star ice hockey player from the Soviet Union. ... For other persons named John Ferguson, see John Ferguson (disambiguation). ...

Nagano Olympics

Named general manager of Team Canada on January 30, 1997,^[14] Clarke was tasked with picking which NHLers would compete for Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, the first time NHLers would compete in the Olympics. A few of Clarke's choices were the source of some consternation, in particular omitting Mark Messier in favor of relative unknown Rob Zamuner^[19] and choosing 24-year-old Eric Lindros as the team's captain over the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Ray Bourque, and Steve Yzerman.^[20] Ranked number one going into the tournament, Team Canada played strongly until being stymied by Czech goaltender Dominik Hašek in the semi-final penalty shootout.^[21] They then lost 3–2 to Finland in the bronze medal match.^[22] The 1998 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XVIII Olympic Winter Games, were celebrated in 1998 in Nagano, Japan. ... Not to be confused with Marc Messier, an actor from Quebec. ... Rob Zamuner is a NHL ice hockey player most recently with the Boston Bruins. ... Eric Bryan Lindros (born February 28, 1973 in London, Ontario, Canada) is a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League. ... Wayne Douglas Gretzky, OC (born 26 January 1961 in Brantford, Ontario) is a retired Canadian-American professional ice hockey player who is currently part-owner and head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes. ... Raymond Jean Bourque (born December 28, 1960 in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, now a district of Montreal) is a Hockey Hall of Famer who currently holds the records for most goals, assists and points by a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) and has become near-synonymous with the Boston... Stephen Gregory Yzerman (born May 9, 1965, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada) is a former professional hockey player who played his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings. ... Dominik HaÅ¡ek (IPA: ) (born January 29, 1965) is a professional National Hockey League (NHL) goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings. ...

NHL management

See also: History of the Philadelphia Flyers

Following his retirement, Clarke's first stint as Flyers general manager lasted six seasons and included two trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1985 and 1987. After making the playoffs in each of his first five seasons in the front office, the Flyers fell off during the 1989–90 season and missed the playoffs. Jay Snider fired Clarke following the season^[23] and Clarke moved on to the Minnesota North Stars^[24] and spent two seasons as the North Stars GM, one of which saw a surprise run to the Finals in 1991.^[14] Leaving Minnesota, Clarke returned to Philadelphia to assume the role of Senior Vice President during the 1992–93 season, and served as a mentor for young phenom Eric Lindros during his first season.^[14] Clarke moved on shortly after and took the general manager position with the expansion Florida Panthers, a team which set the expansion team record for wins and points during a season in 1993–94. He returned to the role of Flyers GM prior to the 1994–95 season (Florida was compensated with cash and the 36th overall pick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft),^[25] and he rebuilt the team into a Cup contender. Though the Flyers only reached the Finals once (1997) during his second tenure as Flyers GM, the Flyers made the playoffs 11 seasons in a row. Following a poor start to the 2006–07 season, Clarke resigned citing a possible burnout and a lack of desire.^[26] Clarke returned to the franchise on December 4, 2006 and was named Senior Vice President. The following article is a chronicle of the history of the National Hockey Leagues Philadelphia Flyers. ... The 1984-85 NHL season was the 68th season of the National Hockey League. ... The 1986-87 NHL season was the 70th season of the National Hockey League. ... The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League between 1967 and 1993. ... The 1991 Stanley Cup Finals took place from May 15 to May 25. ... For the animal species by this name, see Florida Panther. ... Ryan Johnson (born June 14, 1976) is a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League. ... The NHL entry draft occurs during the off season and consists of amateur players being selected for national teams. ... The Stanley Cup winners were the Detroit Red Wings, who swept the Philadelphia Flyers in four games and won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 42 years. ...

Controversy and criticism

Clarke failed to win a Stanley Cup over the 22 seasons he was a general manager. During his 19 seasons as Flyers GM, the Flyers were typically considered Stanley Cup contenders and amassed a regular season record of 714–443–199^[27] but for one reason or another always came up short.^[28] While goaltending was a strength during his first stint with two Vezina Trophy winners between the pipes (Pelle Lindbergh and Ron Hextall), only Hextall in 1995, a combination of Hextall and Garth Snow in 1997, Brian Boucher in 2000, and Robert Esche in 2004 got the Flyers past the second round of the playoffs during his second stint. To make matters worse the New Jersey Devils, their Atlantic Division rivals, were stable in net with Martin Brodeur and beat the Flyers twice on the way to that franchise's first two Stanley Cups in 1995 and 2000.^[28] Vezina Trophy on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the person deemed the best ice hockey goaltender as voted on by the general managers of the teams in the National Hockey League. ... Per-Eric Pelle Lindbergh (May 24, 1959 – November 10, 1985) was a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Philadelphia Flyers. ... Ron niggerdick Hextall (born May 3, 1964 in Brandon, Manitoba) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender most often associated with the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League. ... Garth E. Snow (born on July 28, 1969 in Wrentham, Massachusetts) is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender and is currently the general manager for the New York Islanders of the NHL. // Garth Snow was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques out of Mount Saint Charles Academy in the sixth round... Brian Boucher (born January 2, 1977 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender. ... Robert Esche (born January 22, 1978 in Whitesboro, New York) is an American professional ice hockey goaltender. ... The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. ... The NHLs Atlantic Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Eastern Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Patrick Division. ... Martin Pierre Brodeur (IPA: ) (born May 6, 1972, in Montreal, Quebec) is a professional ice hockey goaltender who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the New Jersey Devils. ...

Clarke received his harshest criticism after first round playoff exits, including a string of four in five years from 1998 to 2002,^[26] and several coaching changes. After Terry Murray was fired following the team's disappointing showing in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1997, five more coaching changes were made in the next five years. Some suggested his handling of Roger Neilson in 2000, who took a medical leave to undergo cancer treatment and was replaced by Craig Ramsay, was disrespectful. The firing of Bill Barber following a first round exit in 2002 led to calls for Clarke's dismissal. Clarke hired Ken Hitchcock shortly after and Hitchcock remained the head coach until Clarke's resignation four years later.^[26] Terry Murray is the former head coach of the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. ... Roger Paul Neilson, CM (June 16, 1934 - June 21, 2003) was a National Hockey League coach, and was responsible for many innovations in the game. ... Craig Ramsay (born 17 March 1951 in Weston, Ontario, Canada) is a retired professional ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL from 1971 to 1985. ... Ken Hitchcock (born December 17, 1951 in Edmonton, Alberta) also known as Hitch is an NHL hockey coach and pro scout, currently head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets . ...

Following the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Clarke signed 6'5" defensemen Derian Hatcher and Mike Rathje to four-year and five-year contracts respectively.^[28] While the moves were initially praised^[28] and even led some to label the Flyers Cup favorites in 2005–06,^[28] some suggested Clarke couldn't compete in the new NHL after the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Buffalo, a smaller, quicker team that skated circles around the slow-footed Hatcher and Rathje.^[26][28] Such criticisms became louder after a poor start to the following season which led to his resignation.^[26] Derian Hatcher (born June 4, 1972 in Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA) is a professional ice hockey player. ... Mike Rathje (May 11, 1974 -, born Mannville, Alberta, Alberta) is an ice hockey defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers. ...

Eric Lindros

Nothing was more controversial during Clarke's time as a general manager than his dispute with Eric Lindros and his parents. The trouble started following the 1997–98 season while negotiating a new contract for Lindros. Clarke threatened to trade him, saying, "If you want to be the highest-paid player in the game or close to it, you've got to play that way."^[29] While Lindros wasn't traded and he played well during the 1998–99 season, his season was cut short after sustaining a collapsed lung during a game on April 1 against the Nashville Predators.^[30] Lindros' parents criticized team trainer John Worley and claimed Clarke tried to kill their son by trying to put him on a plane back to Philadelphia, which would have been fatal given his condition.^[30] The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. ...

After Lindros criticized Worley in March 2000 for failing to diagnose a concussion^[30] (his second of the season),^[31] Clarke stripped Lindros of the role of team captain.^[30] A few weeks after suffering a third concussion during practice,^[31] Lindros returned to the Flyers lineup for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals and sustained his fourth concussion of the season (his sixth in 27 months) during Game 7.^[31] Afterwards, Clarke said he didn't dislike Eric, but he had a problem with his parents, saying, "If he's going to come back, he can't have his dad calling us and telling us who to trade for and who he wants to play with Eric and who can't play with Eric."^[32] Lindros never played for the Flyers again. He rejected the Flyers qualifying offer in the off-season and sat out the 2000–01 season. Clarke finally traded Lindros to the New York Rangers in August 2001. Following the trade, Clarke said, "I don't give a crap whether he ever plays again or if I ever see him again. All he ever did was cause aggravation to our team."^[33]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

The Flin Flon Bombers are a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) team based in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. ... SJHL Emblem The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey league under Hockey Canada, a part of the Canadian Junior A Hockey League. ... The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is a Junior A ice hockey league operating in the Canadian province of Manitoba. ... The Memorial Cup is the championship trophy of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). ... The Western Hockey League is one of the three hockey Major Junior Tier I leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. ... The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... NHL redirects here. ...

International

For other uses, see Summit Series (disambiguation). ... After the Summit Series of 1972 and 1974, the NHL and NHLPA decided to broaden the scope of the competition, inviting to the tournament a number of hockey countries and allowing each invited country to send the best possible team they could muster. ... 1979 Challenge Cup was an ice hockey exhibition series between the Soviet national ice hockey team and a team of all-stars from the National Hockey League, held in New York City. ... The Ice Hockey World Championship is an annual event organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation. ...

Legacy

On November 15, 1984, Bobby Clarke Night was held at the Spectrum^[9][34]. The Flyers retired Clarke's #16 jersey and unveiled the Bobby Clarke Trophy which is awarded annually to the Flyers' Most Valuable Player.^[9] Three years later Clarke was a first ballot inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame.^[9] The Flyers created a team Hall of Fame in 1988, and the first two inductees were Clarke and Bernie Parent.^[9] The Wachovia Spectrum (formerly known as the Spectrum (1967-1994), CoreStates Spectrum (1994-1998) and First Union Spectrum (1998-2003)) is an indoor arena located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... The Bobby Clarke Trophy is an annual award given out by the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL) to the teams most valuable player. ... Hockey Hall of Fame logo The Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is dedicated to the history of ice hockey with exhibits featuring memorabilia and NHL trophies (including the Stanley Cup) along with interactive activities. ...

In addition to his NHL honors, Clarke was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.). The trophy he won in 1968 and 1969 with the Bombers, given annually to the Western Hockey League's top scorer, was re-named the Bob Clarke Trophy. He was inducted into three more halls of fame, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2003 as a charter member, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.^[35] Seal of the Order of Canada The Order of Canada is Canadas highest civilian honour, with membership awarded to those who exemplify the Orders Latin motto Desiderantes meliorem patriam, which means (those) desiring a better country (Hebrews 11. ... The Western Hockey League is one of the three hockey Major Junior Tier I leagues which constitute the Canadian Hockey League. ... The Bob Clarke Trophy is awarded annually to the top scorer in the Western Hockey League. ... // Philadelphia boasts an amazing sports history, dating to the mid-1800’s. ... Canadas Sports Hall of Fame is a Hall of Fame established in 1955 to preserve the record of Canadian sports achievements and to promote a greater awareness of Canadas heritage of sport[1]. As of June 2004, there were 436 inductees. ...

Records

Clarke finished his career 4th all-time in assists and 11th all-time in points,^[36] but he has since fallen to 22nd all-time in assists and 40th all-time in points (as of completion of 2006–07 NHL season). His back-to-back 89 assist seasons in 1974–75 and 1975–76 is still the Flyers team record^[37] and he also owns several other Philadelphia Flyers records,^[38] including: This is a list of Philadelphia Flyers individual and team records. ...

Awards

WCJHL/WCHL

The Bob Clarke Trophy is awarded annually to the top scorer in the Western Hockey League. ... The Four Broncos Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Player of the Year in the WHL. The trophy is named in honour of four members of the Swift Current Broncos who died in an accident when the team bus was enroute to a game. ...

NHL

Fred Shero (October 23, 1925 - November 24, 1990) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach. ... Edward M. Snider (born January 6, 1933, Washington, D.C.) is the Chairman of Comcast-Spectacor, an entity which oversees the operation of the Philadelphia Flyers NHL franchise, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA franchise, the Philadelphia Phantoms minor league hockey team, the Wachovia Center, the Wachovia Spectrum, the regional sports network...

Miscellaneous

The Yanick Dupre Memorial Class Guy Award is an award that honors the memory of Yanick Dupre, who died on August 16, 1997, at the age of 24 after a 16-month battle with leukemia. ... Lionel Conacher Award is an annual award given to Canadas best male athlete. ... The Lou Marsh Trophy is awarded annually by a panel of journalists in recognition of Canadas top athlete. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 192nd day of the year (193rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 210th day of the year (211th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 210th day of the year (211th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• List of NHL statistical leaders
• List of NHL seasons
• List of NHL players with 1000 points
• List of NHL players with 1000 games played

This is a list of NHL Statistical leaders. ... A list of National Hockey League seasons since inception of the league: 1917-18 | 1918-19 | 1919-20 | 1920-21 | 1921-22 | 1922-23 | 1923-24 | 1924-25 | 1925-26 | 1926-27 | 1927-28 | 1928-29 | 1929-30 | 1930-31 | 1931-32 | 1932-33 | 1933-34 | 1934-35 | 1935-36... The following is a list of ice hockey players who have scored 1000 points in the National Hockey League. ... This is a list of ice hockey players who have played 1000 games in the National Hockey League. ...

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Bobby Clarke

• Bobby Clarke's biography at Legends of Hockey
• Profile at hockeydraftcentral.com
• Bobby Clarke's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
• Legends of Hockey Spotlight - One on One with Bobby Clarke
• Bobby Clarke's biography at Canadian Sports Hall of Fame
• Bobby Clarke's biography at Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame