Great Britain U18 forward Jack Clarke was far from a lock to make the Erie Otters roster for the 2024-25 season.
Despite being selected 47th overall by the Erie Otters in the OHL U18 draft, Clarke had penned a contract with the Elmira Sugar Kings of the GOJHL.
That was a big deal in itself considering the young man’s career path. Clarke didn’t start playing hockey until he was ten, and his experience in Canadian organised leagues is sparse.
Great Britain fans witnessed the swift rise through the ranks of the forward while representing his nation in Division 2A of the U18 World Championships. He ranked second in tournament scoring (Six goals/Four Assists), behind his teammate Brynley Capps.
Clarke featured in six pre-season games for the Otters, notching two goals. His performance level through camp enabled the GB forward to earn a spot on the Erie roster to begin the campaign.
The Otters began their season on the road in Kitchener and got off to a bright start by recording a 5-2 success.
Clarke had to sit that game out as a healthy scratch but was inserted into the lineup for the Saturday (yesterday) home opener.
It was always a tough ask to defeat an offensively gifted Brampton Steelheads team, featuring highly-rated netminder Jack Ivankovic.
After falling behind by two goals in eight minutes, Erie clawed back to tie the game with seven minutes remaining in regulation. The comeback would not be fully completed, as Brampton netted three times inside the final four minutes to claim victory.
Clarke played left wing on the fourth line alongside fellow rookies, Tyler Challenger and Oliver Phillips.
According to the OHL media, Erie is set for a solid campaign. The Otters were ranked seventh in the OHL Power Rankings (2024-25 Preseason Edition), with goaltending the big question mark against them.
To make the team at this point is an outstanding achievement but Clarke’s next assignment is to make himself a regular name on the line-up sheet as a rookie.
It is no mean task considering his background, but the GB forward has already been upsetting the odds in the tentative stages of his career.
If you have enjoyed this article, please consider supporting my work in the links below. No donation is too small, even if it’s just the cost of a coffee. It would be much appreciated. Thank you
UK Hockey Blog 