He had a famous, captivating smile - with about a dozen missing teeth. That is how Bobby Clarke will be remembered by those who saw him on ice. One of the best checkers in the entire history of the league, he was also a ruffian a great leader and a warrior. And a victor.
No one personifies hockey in Philadelphia better than Bob Clarke. Physical talent, a relentless work ethic, an unquenchable thirst to win, and a powerful leadership presence made him the most beloved Flyer ever to skate at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. Clarke’s career reads like a fairytale: a small town boy who overcomes the odds, leads his team to the supreme treasure, and finally, attains immortality in his sport.
Bobby wasn't the perfect hockey player not even close At 5'10" and 185 pounds he was blessed with average size and a good but not outstanding package of NHL skills. Clarkes gift was a prodigious one, was oen of hockey character, a sublime blend of virtue and malevolence perfect for the sport he played.
Clarke was more the a force of sheer willpower, though. He had 3 100 point seasons and lead the league in assists.
Clarke almost didnt get drafted because of concern over him having diabetes. However, the Philadelphia Flyers organization made enquires of a diabetic specialist and were told that as long as he took care of himself, Clarke would be fine. Thus assured, the Flyers drafted Clarke with their second pick, 17th overall, in the 1969 Entry Draft. (His diet antics would later become famous: he would drink two cans of soda and take three spoons of sugar before a game, add two bottles of orange juice during intermissions and pack chocolate bars and glucose gum hidden in his uniform's pockets, to prevent his sugar from going down from all the physical activity during the sixty minute games.) - Wikipedia
Diabetics were susceptible to infectious diseases and even a slight scratch could be dangerous. And Clarke played a very physical game and did his share of bleeding. The blood's sugar content was a major source of danger. If the concentration was low, the player could lose his physical coordination. If it was high, his legs would feel as heavy as lead. Gradually Bobby proved to all the skeptics that he was able to deal with his ailment. There were plenty of players out there with injuries that hadn't fully healed. Some with back injuries were compelled to wear a corset under their uniform. Others with knee injuries had to wear tight knee bandages before coming out on the ice. Clarke had diabetes and fought his illness by consuming sugar-laced juices
Bobby was one of the great stars of the sport during his playing days, notable for a ferocious will, tenacious defense play and scoring prowess. He was the ultimate proto-type team player, recognized by both his peers and fans alike.
In a sport whose culture considerespenalty minutes a posative stat, Clarkes blend of loyalty, industry and on ice cruelty was the best of all possible combinations and easily obscured his weak shot and mediocre skating.
In one poll, Clarke was the choise of NHL coaches as the leagues best penalty killer, checker, faceoffman, hardets worker and best leader and the same coaches also voted him as the player they would most like to have on there team -Top 50 Players of All Time.
Clarke retired after the 1983-84 NHL season, having scored 358 goals and 852 assists for 1210 points and 1453 penalty minutes in 1144 games. At the time of his retirement, he was 4th all-time in assists and 10th in points.
Bobby should have been first in the draft, but there were rumours in the NHL that Clarke was a diabetic and most probably wouldn't be able to play in the top league.
-Legends of Hockey
Career achievements and facts
Captained the Philadelphia Flyers to Stanley Cups -1974 and 1975.
Currently 100th in all-time goal scoring,
21st in assists, 36th in points and 90th in games played.
Won the Hart Memorial Trophy 1973, 1975 and 1976.
Named a Second Team All-Star - 1973 and 1974.
Played in the NHL All-Star Game - 70,71,72,73,74,75,77 and 1978.
Won the Frank J. Selke trophy - 1983.
Won the Lester B. Pearson trophy - 1973.
Won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy - 1972.
In 1981 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Represented Canada in the 1972 Summit Series vs. USSR.
Captained Team Canada to victory in the 1976 Canada Cup.
