Being chosen for an All Star Game is always an honour, whether it’s your first or your tenth. It’s just that little bit more special when you get chosen alongside your brother, though, as Brandt and Graeme Clarke found out this weekend, as they both travelled to San Jose for the AHL’s 2024 All Star Classic.
The Brothers Clarke
Graeme is in his fourth season in the AHL, all with the New Jersey Devils affiliate (first Binghamtom, now Utica), and is a former third round pick of the Devils back in 2019. With 34 points in 40 games for Utica so far this season, good for first on the team in scoring, he was an easy selection for the Comets to represent them in the ASC.
Brandt is in his rookie season with the Ontario Reign, having just turned pro after two seasons with the Barrie Colts of the OHL (plus a season overseas in Slovakia, where he got to play with his brother during the COVID-19 pandemic OHL shutdown). He has 33 points in 32 games for the Reign, made his NHL debut last month, and is leading all defencemen in the AHL in scoring. The Reign could have elected to send TJ Tynan as their representative, as he leads the team in scoring and is always in the running for team MVP no matter where he plays, but with Brandt doing all this before even turning 21, he was an obvious selection.
Weekend Match-Up
The Clarke brothers faced off against each other directly in two events; the Puck Control Relay, and the Accuracy Shooting. Brandt won the Puck Control on a technicality (Graeme lost the puck at the final pylon), but it was a decisive victory in the Accuracy Shooting, as he became only the fifth AHL player in the history of the ASC to hit 4 targets with 4 attempts. Graeme acquitted himself well, but his younger brother definitely came out on top in the Skills Competition.
It was a little more even the next day, as both brothers hit the scoresheet in different ways. Graeme had a nifty goal to open the shootout in North vs Central:
It would be Brandt with the final laugh though, with an assist on Grigori Denisenko’s goal against the Central Division, and an eventual victory to give the Pacific back to back Championships in the AHL All-Star Classic.
Shared Experiences
The Clarkes’ parents were in town for the event, as well as Graeme’s girlfriend, making it a real family affair, and something they’ll all think back on fondly.
My All-Star experience was great, all the players and families got treated so well and the event turned out great. It was my first time in San Jose too, so that was cool. Something we’ll all look back on with great memories.
Graeme on his All Star Weekend
The All Star Game is usually a time to meet new people, play with players that you haven’t had a chance to play with or even against, but for Brandt, having his brother there meant the world.
It’s really special that we both made it to this point. You know, both teams have really talented players and that the fact that we got picked, it’s pretty special. And yeah, it’s it’s a moment that we’ll both remember for sure.
Brandt on being named to the ASC with his brother.
However, quote of the night on the Clarke Family Experience has to go to their father, Chris, who, when asked by the broadcast about having both sons in the ASC, simply said: “Well, it’s very efficient.”
Both brothers will return to their respective conferences and coasts this week, and likely won’t share the ice unless the playoffs shake out in their favour, but it was a special weekend for the whole family, and one that will stay with them for a long time.
Photo credit: The AHL
