Dean Clarke Happy in West Kendall

West Kendall, Florida
September 9th, 2012
By: Kyle Smith - SHL.com Senior Writer

Dean Clarke was the surprise player of the Season 10 draft and possibly the biggest riser. First expected to fall off possibly into the 3rd round, Clarke stayed consistent in his training and eventually came around to a soaring stock in the week before the draft. Clarke was eventually selected 6th overall by West Kendall, a competing team who put Clarke onto the 2nd defensive pairing only behind arguably the best pairing in the league (Mosley and Maxfield). Since joining West Kendall, Clarke has been staying consistent in his dedication to becoming an elite player in the SHL. Most of the credit for Dean continuing to progress excellently as a player has been the influence of Maxfield and Mosley.

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-->They really have pushed me to become a better player, even though I'm a rookie they've treated me like I'm a veteran player. They're pretty hard on me during practice, but I know that's just to make sure I'll become a better player in the long run. I know GMJT has some pretty high expectations for me and when he traded up to get me I promised him that I'd deliver in terms of my training. I'm still committed to that, Moser in particular has been a great mentor for me and I'm just excited to be on this team. It's a great group of guys and I'm hoping by the time playoffs roll around that I can just contribute.[/b]

Clarke recently got his 1st career point in a shellacking of the Manhattan Rage where West Kendall proved why they are a favorite this season to win the SHL title. But Clarke is not one to pride himself on his point totals, he was more happy of the defensive effort he deliver in his game against the Rage. Despite only having 1 point this season, Clarke is currently tied for tops for hits and shots blocked on the Platoon and is showing the fruit of his labors when he said that he was plaining on being a force in the defensive zone during his career. Perhaps Clarke's most valuable asset to the Platoon however, is likely his infamous 1st pass to break out of their own zone. This is an asset that a lot of rookies just don't have the poise to do, but Clarke so far has shown that you don't always need to rack up points to be a valuable piece to your team.


<!--QuoteBegin-Dean Clarke
Getting my first point was nice and memorable, but I think that I've contributed to the team before that which is all I'm looking to do. I just want to make sure the other team doesn't score, haha. That's my job, and I'm doing my best to provide great defense while Moser and Maxy play a more offensive game. If that's what the team needs from me, then I'm more than willing to do that. Again, the team's been great to me and supportive in the type of player I am. A lot of GM's might question why I'm not out to looking to score goals all the time, it's because I'm a defenseman. I know my role and it's to go out and shut the offense down. I'm happy with doing that and I'm happy playing with this group of guys. I fit in well and I think once playoffs roll around I'll be more valuable than some would think.[/quote]

Clarke is a nice change of pace from the normal offensive defenseman that have been a huge influx into the SHL as of late. Dean is a dedicated player and will do anything to satisfy his coaches and teammates and has already been a presence in the locker room in West Kendall. Although he might not have the flash of Michael Haan or Drizzy Drake, in the long run Dean Clarke will get the job done and have the ability to go out against the offensive studs and make sure they don't get on the scoreboard.

i like this bro

Thank you to My boys @Merica and @Ragnar for the lovely sigs!

Go Go!