Clarke's journey began when the Flyers drafted him first overall in 1972. He quickly established himself as a tenacious two-way center, possessing a relentless work ethic and a knack for getting under the opponent's skin. Under coach Fred Shero, Clarke embodied the "Broad Street Bullies" philosophy, using his physicality to disrupt plays and create scoring opportunities.

However, Clarke was more than just a physical force. He possessed exceptional playmaking abilities and a hockey IQ that allowed him to anticipate plays and control the game's tempo. This well-rounded skillset made him a nightmare for opponents, as he could overpower them with his physicality or outsmart them with his strategic brilliance.

Clarke's leadership on and off the ice was instrumental in the Flyers' success. He captained the team to their first two Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1975. His fiery competitiveness and dedication to winning inspired his teammates and instilled a culture of excellence within the organization.

Beyond his on-ice accomplishments, Clarke's impact extended to the evolution of the game. He was a pioneer in the use of analytics, recognizing the importance of data-driven decision making in player evaluation and game strategy. This forward-thinking approach would later influence his successful career as an executive with the Flyers.