07-25-2012, 04:48 PM
Clarke Signs with Chicago
Chicago, IL
7.25.12
Dean Clarke had applied to join the NWJHL only yesterday, but he gained interest fairly fast in the league. After being courted by both Prince George & the Chicago Hitmen, Clarke made his decision to sign with the Chicago Hitmen of the Eastern Conference of the NWJHL. When asked about his decision, Clarke said it was a fairly easy one due to many factors that weighed in.
![[Image: 310x.jpg]](http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02MY2be3C78Cr/310x.jpg)
Clarke knows that stepping in right away will be difficult, but with 2 talented defenseman ahead of him in Meb & Haan he will have a lot of protection and room to grow. With the Hitmen being a few points out of 1st place in the East, the addition of Clarke on defense is certainly a great addition for the squad. Chicago will continue to look to help the development of all their players, to possibly make more noise than what's expected in the playoffs. When it comes to development, their is no doubt that Chicago was the #1 choice for Clarke.
With a developmental curve that is hard to pick up, Clarke needed moral support and that's exactly what he got in Chicago. Going forward, Clarke's eventual goal in the NWJHL is to become a cog in a playoff contender & become a defenseman that players dread to face. With raw power & strength he will certainly be a physical force out there no matter who he faces. As Clarke becomes more experienced he will try to eventually round out his offensive game, but at the moment it is not a priority. Clarke wanted to thank GM's for their interest in him and hopes to make the GM's who weren't interested, pay in the long run.
<!--QuoteBegin-Dean Clarke
Although I made the decision to go to Chicago fairly quickly, I want to thank Prince George for showing interest in me. It meant a lot, but Chicago was a team that I felt I would be comfortable with. That's the main thing for me at the moment, and I hope to show eventually that I can be a piece that every team in the NWJHL would like to have. Before eventually reaching my goal of the SHL. Thanks for the interview[/quote]
Clarke certainly seems excited to begin things in Chicago, and why wouldn't he be? With 2 defenseman that will show him the ropes of the league, it should be an easy adjustment for Clarke. Often with some new players, it is easy to question their future work ethic & desire to become an impact player. Clarke is the type who is always willing to put down the effort in order to accomplish the ultimate goal, a championship.
![[Image: 310x.jpg]](http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0f7f7Dy5fCe0C/310x.jpg)
Chicago, IL
7.25.12
Dean Clarke had applied to join the NWJHL only yesterday, but he gained interest fairly fast in the league. After being courted by both Prince George & the Chicago Hitmen, Clarke made his decision to sign with the Chicago Hitmen of the Eastern Conference of the NWJHL. When asked about his decision, Clarke said it was a fairly easy one due to many factors that weighed in.
Quote:Originally posted by Dean Clarke+--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Dean Clarke)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->With myself being from Buffalo, I knew that it would've been tough for me to leave. So when Prince George contacted me, I was definitely interested but it was so far away from Buffalo that I think it would've been a big adjustment. Chicago is only 8 hours away by car, so my family can come see my play more often than not. I'm also familiar with quite a few of the agents on the team, which also factored in. I'm excited to be playing on a defense core that looks pretty talented, and I hope to be a significant part of it by the time the season winds down.[/b]
Clarke knows that stepping in right away will be difficult, but with 2 talented defenseman ahead of him in Meb & Haan he will have a lot of protection and room to grow. With the Hitmen being a few points out of 1st place in the East, the addition of Clarke on defense is certainly a great addition for the squad. Chicago will continue to look to help the development of all their players, to possibly make more noise than what's expected in the playoffs. When it comes to development, their is no doubt that Chicago was the #1 choice for Clarke.
With a developmental curve that is hard to pick up, Clarke needed moral support and that's exactly what he got in Chicago. Going forward, Clarke's eventual goal in the NWJHL is to become a cog in a playoff contender & become a defenseman that players dread to face. With raw power & strength he will certainly be a physical force out there no matter who he faces. As Clarke becomes more experienced he will try to eventually round out his offensive game, but at the moment it is not a priority. Clarke wanted to thank GM's for their interest in him and hopes to make the GM's who weren't interested, pay in the long run.
<!--QuoteBegin-Dean Clarke
Although I made the decision to go to Chicago fairly quickly, I want to thank Prince George for showing interest in me. It meant a lot, but Chicago was a team that I felt I would be comfortable with. That's the main thing for me at the moment, and I hope to show eventually that I can be a piece that every team in the NWJHL would like to have. Before eventually reaching my goal of the SHL. Thanks for the interview[/quote]
Clarke certainly seems excited to begin things in Chicago, and why wouldn't he be? With 2 defenseman that will show him the ropes of the league, it should be an easy adjustment for Clarke. Often with some new players, it is easy to question their future work ethic & desire to become an impact player. Clarke is the type who is always willing to put down the effort in order to accomplish the ultimate goal, a championship.