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League: NHLSport: HockeyCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

David Clarkson discusses life after retirement and youth coaching influence

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 1:11 AM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

David Clarkson discusses life after retirement and youth coaching influence
Summary

Former New Jersey Devils winger David Clarkson reflects on his career and post-retirement journey in an interview. Clarkson recalls his emotional Stanley Cup Final experience in 2012, where the Devils fell short against the Los Angeles Kings. He describes the challenges he faced during retirement and his search for purpose, ultimately leading him to coaching youth hockey. He established a program named Okanagan, which recently secured a national championship. Clarkson emphasizes the importance of building relationships with young athletes and instills values he learned under former Devils GM Lou Lamoriello.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Clarkson played in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final with the Devils.
  • •He retired after a challenging transition from professional hockey.
  • •Clarkson started a youth hockey program called Okanagan.
  • •His team won a national championship this year.
  • •Influenced by Lou Lamoriello's culture of accountability.
Latest Updates
  • 1:11 AMYahoo Sports — EXCLUSIVE: David Clarkson On Finding Purpose After Retirement & The Lasting Influence Of The Devils Culture
What they're saying
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On May 25, 2012, New Jersey Devils winger David Clarkson was sitting on the bench with laser focus on the action in front of him.

Related Teams & Leagues
Columbus Blue JacketsNew Jersey DevilsNew York RangersToronto Maple LeafsNHLHockey

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