Wendel Clark

Lore & Background

Clark was a star junior defenceman with the Saskatoon Blades and won gold at the 1985 World Junior Championships. Converted to forward after being drafted first overall by Toronto, he led the Leafs in goals and penalty minutes as a rookie. He captained the team to the 1993 Campbell Conference Finals, where he had a legendary series with 20 points in 21 playoff games. He was traded to Quebec in 1994, later playing for the Islanders, Lightning, Red Wings, and Blackhawks before returning to Toronto in 2000. He retired on June 29, 2000.

In Their Own Story

The lights of the Memorial Auditorium hummed overhead as Clark circled the penalty box. He adjusted his gloves, the blue fabric worn from seasons of hard play. The crowd roared, a low rumble that vibrated through the skates on his feet. He knew the game was on the line. With a sharp glance at the puck, he pushed off, ready to make the hit that would define another night in Buffalo.

Reader's Guide

Clark is a fan favourite in Toronto, continuing to represent the Maple Leafs at public events. He is employed by the Maple Leafs as a community ambassador. His number 17 was raised to the rafters on November 22, 2008, and officially retired on October 15, 2016. A statue of Clark was added to the Leafs' Legends Row in 2017. He owns Wendel Clark's Classic Grill and Sports Lounge with locations in Saskatoon and Oshawa.

Did You Know?

• Clark finished second in Calder Memorial Trophy voting in 1986.
• He scored a hat-trick in Game 6 of the 1993 Campbell Conference Finals.
• Clark's younger brother Kerry was a professional hockey player with 2,812 minor league penalty minutes.