David Clarke

Who is David Clarke?

David Clarke born August 5, 1981 is a British ice hockey player and a current member of the British national ice hockey team squad.

Clarke was born in Peterborough, England and began playing ice hockey in the local junior development system. He made his senior debut at the age of 15 for the Peterborough Pirates in the British National League. He made thirteen appearances for the club throughout the season, scoring one goal.

Clarke spent each of the next five seasons playing for the Pirates, totaling 96 points from 135 appearance. He made his debut for the national team in the 1999 World Junior Championships before being promoted into the full seniors a year later. There was a rumour that Clarke would become only the 2nd ever British trained player drafted into the NHL but was passed over in the draft for his lack of size.

In 2000, Clarke signed for Superleague side Newcastle Jesters. British players were a rarity in the league at the time and Clarke earned seven points from forty-one appearances. In 2001, financial problems at Newcastle saw Clarke move to the London Knights, where he scored three points from ten appearances.