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
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.
- •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.
- 1:11 AMYahoo Sports — EXCLUSIVE: David Clarkson On Finding Purpose After Retirement & The Lasting Influence Of The Devils Culture
"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.
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