Bobby Clarke Biography

Robert Earle Clarke, born August 13, 1949, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played his entire 15-year National Hockey League career with the Philadelphia Flyers. Clarke is acknowledged by some as being one of the greatest hockey players and captains of all time. He recorded three 100-point seasons, twice led the league in assists, and was selected to participate in nine NHL All-Star Games. In 2017, Clarke was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history. Following the 1967–68 season, Bombers coach Pat Ginnell took Clarke to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where doctors confirmed he could play professionally if he maintained care. Despite these medical assurances, Clarke was selected in the second round of the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft and chosen 17th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. Wearing number 16, Clarke made his NHL debut on October 11, 1969, against the Minnesota North Stars.