Winners: Bobby Clarke, Ice Hockey

1975 - Feature Story

At 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, Bobby Clarke was not an imposing player. He was also a diabetic – a factor that had caused some NHL teams to overlook him as a junior draft prospect. But Clarke was a giant of the game, leading his Philadelphia Flyers to a second consecutive Stanley Cup victory in 1974-1975. That season he would also win the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player. His regular season 27 goals and record 89 assists were impressive from a statistical standpoint, but Flyers’ coach Fred Shero summed up Clarke’s impact best by calling the Flin Flon Manitoba, native “the greatest leader I’ve seen in sport.”  Clarke, recognized as an outstanding playmaker and forechecker, was also as tough as any player on the decidedly physical Flyers’ roster, notching 125 penalty minutes.  With his toothless grin, he offered engaging proof of his dedication to the physical side of the game.

Career Highlights

• 1983 Won Selke Trophy for best defensive forward in the NHL
• 1975 Lionel Conacher Award (Canada’s male athlete of the year)
• 1975, 1976 Set the Philadelphia Flyers’ franchise record for most assists in a season with 89
• 1974, 1975 Stanley Cup with the Philadelphia Flyers
• 1973, 1975, 1976 Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Player in the NHL)