Clarke MacArthur
A skilled NHL winger whose career was defined by gritty play, a memorable playoff run, and a courageous battle with concussions.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: April 6·Millennials
Biography
Clarke MacArthur's NHL journey was one of resilience and adaptation. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres, he carved out a role as a reliable, two-way winger who could chip in offensively and play with an edge. His path took him through Buffalo, Atlanta, and Toronto, where he had a career-high 24-goal season. His most significant chapter, however, began when he signed with the Ottawa Senators. There, he became part of a potent line and a respected leader. In the 2017 playoffs, he made an emotional return after nearly two years sidelined by a series of concussions, scoring a dramatic overtime goal. That moment encapsulated his struggle: a talented player whose prime was repeatedly interrupted by head injuries. His decision to retire in 2018, after a final concussion in training camp, highlighted the serious physical toll of the sport, ending a career remembered for its hard-nosed effort and poignant perseverance.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Clarke was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Clarke Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Clarke's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored the double-overtime game-winning goal for the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of the 2017 Eastern Conference First Round against Boston.
- Recorded a career-high 24 goals and 52 points during the 2010-11 season split between the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Played 547 regular-season NHL games, amassing 133 goals and 309 points as a consistent middle-six forward.
- Was a key part of the Ottawa Senators' 2017 run to the Eastern Conference Final.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Jessica, are known for their extensive charitable work in the Ottawa community.
He played his junior hockey for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League.
His final NHL contract with Ottawa included a unique 'non-contact' practice clause due to his concussion history.
He was known for his distinctive, heavy wrist shot.
“You don't feel the concussion until you try to stand up.”
