The GB forward is perhaps the most illustrious of Nottingham Panthers’ British-born players. Establishing himself as a fan favourite soon after he joined the team in season 2003-04, he went on to play 764 games in Elite League competitions, scoring 731 points (370 goals) in 14 campaigns, before his retirement at the end of 2017-18. He was among the club’s top three points-getters in six different seasons and led the scoring twice.

Panthers won the Challenge Cup in his first season – the first of his seven cup successes – and in 2006-07 he captained the team to the first of five playoff titles. In all, he was named team captain in four different seasons and an assistant captain in no fewer than eight campaigns. He played a key role in the Panthers’ first league title in over half a century in 2012-13.

Clarkey was a valuable member of the club in numerous cup competitions, as well as internationally where the highlight was a first British victory in the prestigious Continental Cup in 2016-17. He served as an assistant coach in his last two years.

Prior to joining the Panthers, he enjoyed five years with his hometown side Peterborough Pirates and one with Guildford Flames, as well as making 52 appearances in the Superleague with Newcastle Jesters and London Knights, and with Milton Keynes Kings in the British National League.

David’s 92 caps with GB (fourth best all-time) were achieved between 2000 and 2017, and he was the team’s assistant captain on four occasions. He is GB’s fifth highest all-time scorer with 67 points (29 goals), a record that covers three Olympic Qualifying competitions and 15 straight World Championship tournaments until he missed the 2015 games because of injury. He was also capped 22 times for GB at five World Junior Championship tournaments.

Keen for some overseas experience, he dressed 10 times for Adelaide Avalanche in the Australian League in 1999-2000 and for 12 games in 2007-08 with HC Alleghe of Italy. A banner representing his no. 5 jersey has been raised to the rafters of the National Ice Centre in honour of his huge contribution to Nottingham Panthers.