WHEN you look back at the multitude of championship trophies won by local sides over the years, one name is synonymous with many of them: Darrell Clarke.
Over four decades of work, ranging from stick boy in the early days, to assistant equipment manager for much of it, Clarke played an important role in 14 titles claimed by teams from the city.
Be it five Allan Cup national senior crowns with the Thunder Bay Twins, to a trio of Colonial Hockey League triumphs on the staff of the Thunder Hawks and Senators, as well as five SIJHL wins, with a Dudley-Hewitt Cup added in, as part of the Fort William North Stars, his success numbers remains unprecedented.
At an outdoor event in Clarke’s honour organized by the late Gary Cook’s daughters, Laura and Leslie, back in August, it allowed many associated with those local clubs to stop by and pay their respects as well as catch up with former teammates.
Nearing 65 and residing at St. Joseph Care Group in assisted living, he remains as well thought of as ever.
With attendees ranging throughout his entire time involved in the game, it just shows how, ‘Clarkie’, as he is admirably dubbed, is a testament to his popularity.
“What a tremendous way to bring so many together to come and say hi to Clarkie,” said Bill McDonald, who played on three of the Twins-winning squads before coaching them to two more Allan Cups.
“Those were great years back then and to get to see my old teammates and players that I coached was fantastic,” added McDonald, who coached Thunder Bay to those three Colonial League championships.
Gerald Bolduc, who was part of a number of senior titles, was also there and stated: “What a night talking with all the guys from different generations of hockey in the Bay. From Billy Mac (McDonald), Wally Presenger, to Rammer (Bruce Ramsay), and more. Quite a few memories just talking with them and a very enjoyable night for Clarkie, especially because he remembered everyone there.”
A solid contingent of former players from his days with the CoHL franchise, like Ramsay, Jason Firth, Neal Purdon and Tom Warden were also on hand.
“I loved my time in Thunder Bay and was fortunate to win a few championships here, so it always exciting to see old teammates and coaches,” said Ramsay, the ECHL’s 2020-21 Coach and GM of the Year honouree.”
“There are so many stories you forget, that all come back when you meet up with old friends, that you shed blood sweat and tears with.”
Gary Linquist Jr., who has known and worked with Clarke on the hockey front for many years, was pleased to attend the get together.
“It was a fun time and was nice to see him again. It’s funny how we all go our own ways and don’t get to see people we spent so much time with at points in our lives.”
Having the opportunity to be alongside Clarke and be part of many of those championship clubs is not lost on Linquist.
“Working as equipment manager with the teams was actually an honour when I think back. Growing up around it from the 70s’ Twins days, it was always something I knew I would be doing when I got to a certain age. Still to this day there are players from the 1974-75 Allan Cup team that are like family members to me.”
Be it representation from the Twins, Thunder Hawks, Senators and North Stars, the tributes paid by each and all to Clarke is superb.
That bond among them all remains, despite the time that has passed.
“It was great to see how far back the players came from,” Linquist chipped in.
“From the Twins in the 70s & 80s, up to the Senators guys and just how all the players interacted together was amazing to see. The generations played for different teams, being in either a Twins or Senators jersey. It gives you the feeling that everyone was still part of the same organization throughout the years.”
A vital cog throughout was Darrell Clarke, as are the legendary tales that coincide with it.
“Thanks to Lesley, Laura & Marlene Cook, who arranged everything,” summarized McDonald.
“Great stories, great times and great to be a part of all of it with Clarkie.”