Claimed: Les Clarke Rookie Profile

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Les Clarke

Position: RW

Hometown: Quebec City, Quebec

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 220 lbs

Shoots: Left

 

Fresh new face on the VHLM scene Les Clarke made his announcement last week that he will be eligible for the upcoming Season 55 VHL Entry Draft. Not long after that, after mulling over offers to join several VHLM teams, Clarke decided upon joining the Saskatoon Wild. Before he steps onto the ice for his very first professional game, we'll take a look into the scouting report of the right winger from Quebec.

 

The Positive

Les Clarke has got the intangibles that any competitive team would ask for.

 

He is an old style hockey coach's wet dream, and more. With his 6'5" frame, Clarke's office on the ice is located in front of the net. Using his height to his advantage, screening the goalie and taking up space, Clarke has become a natural net front presence. Could be guilty of a few dirty goals and pucks off the body from his teammates as well. His bread and butter.

 

Using his long reach comes in handy during board battles and offensive rushes. The winger will use that reach of his to swipe the puck away to nearby teammates in order to keep possession.  Clarke has also been seen using his big body to peel away forecheckers and protecting the puck. A bulldozing power forward.

 

He falls into the mold of the old style power forward. Clarke doesn't shy away from using his strength to instigate and bring intimidation to the game. In high paced intense games, a big hit from the right winger could turn over momentum or wake up the home crowd. "He's a player's player," said his old high school coach. "He does all the tough stuff and plays the role that don't appeal to many kids now," he added.

 

 

The Negatives

Being 6'5" also has it's cons.

 

Not the fastest player on the ice. In a sport where the skaters are only getting faster, Clarke falls behind on rushes. Don't depend on him to execute on any odd man rushes. Also falls behind when going back on the forecheck. Clarke usually finds himself balancing out how deep into each respective zones each shift.

 

Most scouts will tell you that his discipline is the most glaring negative of his game. Clarke's temper could cost his team games sometimes. When found in one goal games, Clarke falls prone to committing penalties that could result in goals. Some call it playing with passion, but most will say it's a short temper. Proceed with caution.

 

Loves to model his game after Brad Marchand, but doesn't quite put up the numbers that Marchand has in recent seasons. His scoring is decent at best. Early projections show his potential to fall as a complimentary scorer on the first line of a weak team, or a second liner on a strong one. He relies on highly skilled line mates in order to produce.