Peterborough born forward David Clarke played 14 seasons for Panthers after signing for Guildford Flames in the summer of 2003 ahead of the inaugural Elite League season. He made his mark in his first season, scoring the opening goal in the 1st leg of Panthers Challenge Cup victory against Sheffield Steelers, that set the team on their way to their first trophy in six years.
Clarke spent 14 seasons in Nottingham, only broken by a season in Italy with Alleghe in 2007/08, fulfilling the goal of captain, alternate captain and assistant coach during his time with the club. During his 14 seasons he won 14 trophies with Panthers. Seven Challenge Cups (2003/04, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2015/16); Five EIHL Play-Off championships (2006/07, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2015/16); One EIHL League Championship (2012/13) & One IIHF Continental Cup (2016/17). At the time of writing, Clarke is the second highest goalscorer and fourth highest point scorer in Elite League history.
As well as being a key player for Panthers, Clarke was an important part of the Great Britain National Team, winning 92 caps for his country and scoring 67 points in the process (29 goals and 38 assists).
He retired from playing at the end of the 2017/18 season and shortly after his #5 jersey was retired and raised to the rafters, becoming the sixth Panther to receive such an honour. It was well deserved after such a long and storied tenure at the club. In 2019 Clarke was inducted to the UK Hockey Hall of Fame, one of few players who have been inducted so soon after retirement.
David Clarke’s career with the Nottingham Panthers is more than a story of longevity. It’s a narrative of leadership, record-breaking success and deep-rooted impact. From thrilling moments to historic trophies, he embodied the spirit of Panthers ice hockey and is a deserving inductee into the TCW Panthers Hall of Fame.
Words: Jono Bullard
Picture: Panthers Images
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