Clarke's journey in the world of hockey took flight during his youth when he showcased his skills as part of the Toronto Faustina minor ice hockey team in the 1967 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. This early exposure to competitive play hinted at the promising career that lay ahead.
The pinnacle of his career came during the 1975–76 season when he donned the jersey of the Phoenix Roadrunners in the World Hockey Association (WHA). This was an era when WHA was a thriving alternative to the NHL, with its own set of star players and teams vying for hockey supremacy. Clarke's presence on the ice during this time was a testament to his exceptional abilities as a defenceman.
In addition to his WHA stint, Clarke was selected in the NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks in 1974, demonstrating his potential to excel at the highest levels of professional hockey. His impressive draft position and participation in the WHA underscored his status as a formidable force in the hockey world.
Jim Clarke's playing career spanned from 1974 to 1977, during which he left an enduring legacy in the sport of ice hockey. His name will forever be associated with the excitement and competitiveness of the WHA and the promise he showed as a young Pee-Wee player in Quebec.
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