Wendel Clark opened up about his time playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He revealed what Toronto was like, particularly due to the fact that it was an Original Six NHL franchise.
Clark was beloved during his time with the Maple Leafs. He had three separate stints with the organization, and each time, he gave maximum effort. The former Leafs captain was notably a centerpiece in the blockbuster trade that saw Toronto acquire Mats Sundin from Quebec.
It is no secret that Leafs players deal with added criticism when they do not meet expectations. However, Toronto players past and present have each spoken about the praise that comes when they do well.
Clark is no different, as the Kelvington, Saskatchewan native described what the Toronto market is like. ‘Captain Crunch’ experienced playoff success with the Leafs, reaching the Conference Finals twice. However, he was unable to hoist the Stanley Cup with Toronto.
Wendel Clark Reveals What It Was Really Like Playing for the Maple Leafs
Wendel Clark shared his thoughts on the pressure that players face in Toronto. He admitted that there is no special strategy to be successful in an Original Six market.
Clark said that he hopes current players focus on their game and perform at the best of their abilities. He noted that trying to do too much is counterproductive and could result in players putting too much unnecessary pressure on themselves.
“You just play, you can’t, and today’s no different, no matter all the stuff that goes on, It is no different. Just worry about playing. All I can do is control how I play. And that’s all you can do as a player in any league or any team, doesn’t matter where you’re playing at,” Clark told Clearing The Crease. “That’s all you can control. You can’t control anything outside. And if you try, then you’re frustrated, then you’re mad at the world, and you can’t [do that].”
Clark Reflects on Media Coverage During His Time in Toronto
Clark also reflected on the media coverage during his time in Toronto. Like other Canadian NHL franchises, the Maple Leafs have a devoted fanbase and strong media coverage.
Clark admitted that because of the media coverage, players paid attention to the stories that were being written and reported.
“You pay attention to everything. Remember, we had the newspapers. Everybody and the visiting team walked in with the three newspapers. They’d be sitting watching our pregame skate on a Saturday because the American teams, they’d come in and they didn’t get half of the news,” Clark told Clearing The Crease.
Clark also pinpointed one particular difference between Canadian markets compared to American markets. He said that role players are just as beloved and can secure post-career opportunities.
“I tell all players, the best thing about playing in Canada and then Toronto being the Toronto market, it’s not so much the big guys. But if you get to play two years in Toronto as a third, fourth-liner, third through seventh defenseman, you can do stuff when you’re finished,” Clark said. “If you’re meat and potatoes, fans are going to love you. That’s pretty much the way it is.”
Wendel Clark Reveals What It Was Really Like Playing for the Maple Leafs