| Brandt Clarke | Don Mills Flyers U15 | GTHL | R | D | 6’1″ | 181 | Barrie Colts | 2019 | Ottawa, ON | 2003 | 2020-2021: A |
OHL: Barrie Colts NHL Prospcts vs Sudbury Wolves, April 2020: As a young defenseman Brandt is as smooth and as confident as you will find. His poise was on full display during a tough Sudbury forecheck that were willing to finish checks all over the ice. He showed no panic and literally looked like he had no concern for their physicality. There were times when he got himself in trouble trying to do too much, but his upside is undeniable and is something any coaching staff would love to deal with. Game Grade: B
OHL: Barrie Colts NHL Prospects vs Erie Otters, February 2020: Brandt has ice water in his veins. He was exceptional all night. He played the entire game with his head up and showed real offensive skill from the back end. His retrievals were quick and with a purpose, consistently showing poise beyond his years by looking off forecheckers and taking the open ice. His regroups were clean and he activated when appropriate. He topped off an excellent night by burying the game winner on the final shot of the shootout.
OHL Gold Cup, May 2019: It is easy to see why Clarke was a sought-after top draft pick. He seems to be able to do it all at this level. He creates and supports the rush and can finish like a forward. He has an impressive ability to see a play develop. He is extremely composed and confident with the puck on his stick. A confident defender who gaps up defensively and transitions from D to offense quickly. Clarke dictates the pace of play when he is on the and continues to lead offensively in every tournament he plays at his age level. He was also one of the tournament scoring leaders. OHL Team: Barrie Colts – 1st Round, 4th Overall Grade: A
OHL Draft Top 300 Ontario Final Rankings, March 2019: Clarke was rated second, behind only Dons Mills Flyers teammate Shane Wright.
Canada Winter Games, March 2019: Smooth skater, powerful stride and always had his head up. Jumped into offense when it was there and had good closing speed to get back on attacking forwards. Made smart decisions with the puck. Ran top of the power play unit well using head fakes and deception with crisp passing to pick a part PK units. Excellent vision with a big point shot. Grade: B+
2018 Minor Midget International Silver Stick, December 2018: Clarke continues to show a high sense of hockey IQ, puck management skills, and an ability to find open forwards in good scoring situations. Offensively, Clarke is near the top in the province for d-men and continues to show he is a capable defender as well with a good reach and mobility. Clarke continued to excel on the powerplay and is a very impressive special teams player.
Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament, November 2018: A smooth skating right handed shot man who always seems to make the right play. In our view Schmidt and Clarke were easily the best D in tourney. Clarke has huge offensive upside. Jumps into rush. Takes smart chances and recovers quickly. His gap control is elite and has a very active stick. He is an excellent communicator – always talking to D partner and gives direction during the pace of the game. Always gives D partner outlet option in own zone and supports partner when pressured. Clarke excels on the powerplay – he worked the top of the umbrella and controls the pace of the PP
Toronto Titans Minor Midget Tournament, September 2018: Clarke showed great hockey sense and puck moving ability and was never afraid to jump into the attack. Overall skating ability (speed/quickness) needs work to stay ahead of the curve at the next level but his edgework and mobility is very strong and helps him elude the forecheck. Clarke’s IQ and skills on the powerplay were his biggest assets – he slows the play down, lets the play develop, and uses his teammates very effectively.