Who is Emily Clark?
Emily Clark was born on November 28, 1995, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Standing at 5-foot-7, Clark is a dynamic forward known for her speed, versatility, and scoring ability. She has been a key player for both her professional teams and the Canadian national team, earning numerous accolades and contributing significantly to their success.
Junior Career
Emily Clark’s love for hockey began almost from the day she was born. Just three days old, her mother took her to watch one of her older brother’s games at a hockey rink. As the youngest of six children (four boys, and two girls), Clark was surrounded by hockey from the start. Instead of bedtime stories, her family’s nightly ritual involved watching hockey highlights on TV. Inspired by a story about a player who wrote down his goal to play in the NHL, young Emily wrote on a piece of paper, “I’m going to play for Team Saskatchewan and Team Canada,” signed it, and put it on her wall. This piece of paper remains in her childhood bedroom, serving as a testament to her early dreams and determination.
Clark played for the Saskatoon Stars in the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL), where she quickly became a standout player. Her impressive performance in junior hockey earned her recognition and set the stage for her collegiate and international careers.
University of Wisconsin
Clark’s impressive junior career led her to the University of Wisconsin, where she played for the Badgers from 2014 to 2019. While at Wisconsin, she established herself as one of the top players in NCAA women’s hockey. Clark was a consistent scorer and playmaker, helping lead the Badgers to multiple Frozen Four appearances.
Throughout her collegiate career, Clark earned numerous accolades, including All-WCHA honors and being named a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which is given to the top female college hockey player in the United States.
Team Canada
Emily Clark has been a vital member of Team Canada’s national program. She debuted with the senior team at the 2014 Four Nations Cup and has since become a regular fixture on the roster. Her international career includes a host of medals and notable performances:
- 2014-2015: World Championship Silver Medal
- 2015-2016: World Championship Silver Medal
- 2016-2017: World Championship Silver Medal
- 2018-2019: World Championship Bronze Medal
- 2020-2021: World Championship Gold Medal
- 2021-2022: Olympic Gold Medal, World Championship Gold Medal
- 2022-2023: World Championship Silver Medal
- 2023-2024: World Championship Gold Medal
Clark’s speed, vision, and scoring touch have made her a key player for Canada in numerous international tournaments, including the Olympics and World Championships. Her contributions have been instrumental in Canada’s success on the global stage.
PWHPA and PWHL Ottawa
Emily Clark transitioned to professional hockey after her collegiate career, joining the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) and playing in various showcases to promote the women’s game. Her talent and leadership were evident, and she quickly became a standout player in the league.
During the 2023-24 season, she served as an alternate captain (“A”) for PWHL Ottawa, contributing 4 goals and 11 assists for a total of 15 points in 24 games, and recording 10 penalty minutes and 2 power-play goals. Her addition to the team brings speed, skill, and a wealth of international experience.
Personal Life
Clark’s journey is not just about her on-ice achievements. She is committed to promoting the growth of women’s hockey and advocating for greater visibility and support for female athletes. Off the ice, Clark is known for her dedication to encouraging young girls to take up the sport and providing them with the resources and opportunities to succeed.
Growing up, Clark faced the challenges of being often the lone girl on boys’ teams, changing in referee rooms and other small spaces. These experiences influenced her father, who is the operations manager for two of Saskatoon’s largest rink facilities, to create fully furnished female dressing rooms in both complexes. Clark’s commitment to her community and her role as a mentor to younger players highlight her leadership both on and off the ice.
Legacy and Impact
Emily Clark’s journey from a young hockey player in Saskatoon to an international star is a testament to her hard work, talent, and passion for the game. She has inspired many with her performances and has been a strong advocate for the advancement of women’s hockey.
Clark’s ultimate goal of playing in the Olympics was realized in 2022, where she won a gold medal with Team Canada. Her journey from watching hockey highlights with her family to becoming an Olympic gold medalist exemplifies her dedication and perseverance. As she continues her career, Clark remains focused on achieving even greater heights and inspiring the next generation of female hockey players.
