On February 25, 1986, Toronto Maple Leafs fans witnessed a performance that would define the fiery rookie season of Wendel Clark, the franchise’s first-ever first overall draft pick.
Facing the higher-ranked New York Rangers at Maple Leaf Gardens, the Leafs quickly fell behind 2-0. But Clark and company stormed back in thrilling fashion to earn a 7-3 victory and the young forward played a starring role.
In a game that had everything, Wendel served five minutes for fighting after a heated scrap with RonGreschner. Just seconds after leaving the box, he netted his 24th goal of the season, the eventual game-winner, assisted by Russ Courtnall, who had a standout night himself with a goal and three helpers.
Clark wasn’t done. He added two more goals in the third period, his 25th and 26th of the season, both again set up by Courtnall to complete the hat trick. All seven Leafs goals were scored on John Vanbiesbrouck, with Clark’s third tally sending the goalie to the bench in favor of Glen Hanlon.
Clark wrapped up his 1985-86 rookie season with 34 goals and helped the Leafs win their first playoff series since 1979. He would finish second in Calder Trophy voting, just behind Gary Suter of the Calgary Flames.
About Wendel Clark
Wendel Clark played 793 regular season and 95 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1985-86 and 1999-00 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. He was originally a first overall pick by Toronto at the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.
Despite an injury plagued career that saw Wendel play just one full schedule, he totaled 330 regular season goals. Clark's career best came in 1993-94 when he scored 46 for the Maple Leafs in just 64 games.
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