Wendel, Wow

Just a quick note on this, the number retirement ceremony for Wendel Clark tonight was absolutely perfect. It wasn't filled with over an hour of honourifics, boring speaches and gifts. Clark's number went up in a ceremony that had the same class and dignity that the Leafs winger carried himself for most of his underappreciated NHL career.

One can only hope that the Rangers do the same for Adam Graves in February.


(Screw YouTube for deleting the link I initially found; let's hope this one stays.)

 Wendel, Wow - The Legacy of Wendel Clark

Wendel Clark is a name that resonates with hockey fans across generations. Known for his fierce determination, physical style of play, and leadership on and off the ice, Clark left an indelible mark on the sport. This article explores the life and career of Wendel Clark and his lasting impact on the world of hockey.

I. Early Days and Rise to Prominence

Wendel Clark was born on October 25, 1966, in Kelvington, Saskatchewan, Canada. From a young age, he displayed a remarkable talent for hockey, and it wasn't long before he caught the attention of scouts and coaches.

Junior Hockey Stardom: Clark's journey to the NHL began in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he played for the Saskatoon Blades. His exceptional skills and physical style of play made him a fan favorite and earned him the nickname "Captain Crunch."

Entry into the NHL: In the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, Wendel Clark was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. His arrival in Toronto was met with high expectations, and he quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise.

II. The Heart and Soul of the Toronto Maple Leafs

During his tenure with the Maple Leafs, Wendel Clark established himself as the heart and soul of the team. His leadership, grit, and willingness to stand up for his teammates endeared him to fans in Toronto and beyond.

Iconic Moments: Clark's time with the Maple Leafs is marked by memorable moments, including his crushing hits, timely goals, and a fearless approach to the game.

Beloved Captain: In 1991, Wendel Clark was named the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a role he embraced with pride. His leadership extended beyond the ice, as he became a community ambassador for the team.

III. The Journeyman Years

While Clark is most closely associated with the Maple Leafs, he also had stints with other NHL teams during his career. These years provided new challenges and opportunities for him to showcase his skills.

Time Away from Toronto: Clark was traded to the Quebec Nordiques in 1994 and later played for the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks.

Return to Toronto: Wendel Clark's return to Toronto in 1996 was met with jubilation from Maple Leafs fans. He continued to make valuable contributions to the team during his second stint with the franchise.

IV. Impact Beyond the Ice

Wendel Clark's impact extended beyond his on-ice heroics. He remains a beloved figure in the hockey world and has continued to give back to the sport and his community.

Community Involvement: Clark has been actively involved in charitable work, supporting causes such as children's hospitals and youth hockey programs.

Enduring Legacy: The passion and dedication that Wendel Clark displayed throughout his career continue to inspire the next generation of hockey players and fans.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is Wendel Clark doing now?

A1: Wendel Clark remains involved in the hockey community, often making appearances at events and engaging in charitable work. He also operates a restaurant in Vaughan, Ontario, called "Wendel Clark's Classic Grill & Bar."

Q2: Does Wendel Clark have any coaching experience?

A2: While Clark hasn't pursued coaching at the professional level, his experience and knowledge of the game have made him a valuable mentor to young players, including those in junior and youth hockey programs.

Q3: What is Wendel Clark's most memorable moment in his career?

A3: There are many memorable moments in Clark's career, but one that stands out is his hat-trick performance in Game 6 of the 1993 Western Conference Finals while playing for the Maple Leafs. His heroics helped propel the Leafs to the Stanley Cup Finals.

VI. Conclusion

Wendel Clark's impact on the game of hockey goes far beyond his statistics and achievements. He is a symbol of passion, determination, and dedication, qualities that have endeared him to fans and continue to inspire those who lace up their skates. Wendel, wow - a true legend of the game.

Respecting Two Rivals

Two former NHL warriors are getting their numbers raised to the rafters by their respective teams on Saturday: Montreal's Patrick Roy and Toronto's Wendel Clark.

By my quick research, Roy finished his career 21-10-4 against the Blueshirts, with the highlight being the victor against Vezina winner John Vanbiesbrouck and the Rangers in the 1986 playoffs on the way to the Stanley Cup.

Here is a classic Roy moment against the Rangers:

I don't know what is more impressive, that Roy would try that or just how much fun Sam and J.D. had calling the play. (Joe Micheletti has got to go.)

Quick great story: my dad met Roy back in the early 90s at a Canadiens practice right before my birthday and he asked for an autograph for me. Roy signed a sheet of paper wishing me a happy birthday (which I still treasure) and my dad told him that I wanted to be a goalie one day. Roy's response? "Why??" Priceless.

The way Clark played was far from priceless - the bruising winger made his opponents pay the price every game. Clark played Old Time Hockey the way it was meant to be done and had a strong NHL career. Everyone remembers his rough and tumble work for Toronto, but he did spend some time on Long Island.

Clark was traded to the Isles before the '95-96 season by Quebec and had 43 points in 58 games with 60 PIM. Two of those points came in the three games that he played against the Rangers but both were assists despite putting 10 shots on goal. Clark was shipped off of the Island before the end of the season to his old team of Toronto along with Matt Schneider in return for Kenny Jonsson and the first round pick that turned out to be Roberto Luongo of all people. Trippy, right?

If that doesn't make you dislike him, then perhaps his demolition of Ranger defenseman Mark Hardy will in some classic Youtube gold:

Sadly injuries cut his career short but his reputation was cemented and he is a god in Toronto. And despite the harsh end to Roy's time in Montreal, he is still loved by the hardcore Habs fans. That kind of respect can't be quantified but it can be appreciated so congratulations to both of them for being recognized for all they gave to their teams; I am just glad we don't have to face either of them ever again ...

 Respecting Two Rivals: The Unique Dynamic of the Rangers-Flyers-Islanders Rivalry

In the world of sports, rivalries are the lifeblood of competition. They bring an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the games, fueling the passions of fans and players alike. Few cities boast a hockey rivalry as intriguing as New York, where the Rangers, Flyers, and Islanders form a unique triumvirate of competitive animosity. In this article, we'll explore the history, dynamics, and FAQs surrounding this captivating three-way rivalry.

I. The Origins of the Rivalry

To understand the Rangers-Flyers-Islanders rivalry, we must first delve into its roots. Each of these teams has a distinct history and fan base, and their interactions have shaped the rivalry over the years.

II. The Rangers: Broadway's Finest

The New York Rangers, often referred to as "Broadway's Blueshirts," are one of the NHL's Original Six teams. With a rich history dating back to 1926, they have a passionate fan base and iconic traditions like the "Potvin Sucks!" chant.

III. The Flyers: The Broad Street Bullies

The Philadelphia Flyers, notorious for their physical and aggressive style of play during the 1970s, have been a constant thorn in the side of both the Rangers and the Islanders. The Broad Street Bullies' reputation precedes them, and their matchups against the Rangers are always highly anticipated.

IV. The Islanders: The Dynasty of the '80s

The New York Islanders, winners of four consecutive Stanley Cups in the early '80s, have a storied history of their own. Their dominance during that era solidified their place in the rivalry, and Islanders fans proudly remember their glory days.

V. The Dynamics of a Three-Way Rivalry

A three-way rivalry adds complexity to the equation. Each team has two rivals to contend with, and the interactions between the trio can be unpredictable. This dynamic leads to intense games and memorable moments.

VI. Memorable Moments

Some unforgettable moments from this rivalry include the "Battle of New York" playoff series between the Rangers and Islanders in 1994, where the Rangers ultimately won the Stanley Cup. The Flyers have also played their part, often upsetting their New York neighbors in crucial matchups.

VII. The Fan Perspective

Rangers Fans: For Rangers fans, the Flyers and Islanders represent fierce competition. Victories against these rivals are celebrated with extra enthusiasm, and the intense games are a highlight of the season.

Flyers Fans: Flyers fans relish the chance to face their New York rivals. The history of the Broad Street Bullies fuels their passion, and they view games against the Rangers and Islanders as opportunities to assert their dominance.

Islanders Fans: Islanders fans have a unique perspective, having enjoyed the most success among the three teams in recent decades. They savor the opportunity to remind their rivals of their glory days and have a particularly fierce rivalry with the Rangers.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which team has the upper hand in this rivalry?

A1: The balance of power has shifted over the years. The Islanders enjoyed dominance in the '80s, while the Rangers had a memorable championship run in 1994. The Flyers, with their physical play, often upset the balance.

Q2: Do the three teams have a shared rivalry trophy?

A2: Unlike some other rivalries, there isn't a specific trophy associated with this three-way rivalry. However, the competition for regional supremacy is intense, and each team strives to be the top dog in the New York metropolitan area.

Q3: Are there any players who have been on all three teams?

A3: There have been a few players who have donned the jerseys of all three teams, but these transitions are relatively rare due to the fierce rivalry. When such moves occur, they often generate significant attention and discussion among fans.

IX. Conclusion

The Rangers-Flyers-Islanders rivalry is a unique and captivating aspect of the NHL. With a rich history, passionate fan bases, and iconic moments, this three-way battle for regional supremacy is a testament to the enduring appeal of hockey rivalries. As these teams continue to face off, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments in the ongoing saga of the Rangers, Flyers, and Islanders rivalry.