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Clare Drake

Born:October 9, 1928
Hometown:Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Known For:1983-84 Spengler Cup Winner (Head Coach)
National Team:Canada

Clare Drake (born October 9, 1928) is a Canadian former ice hockey coach. Best known for his days with the University of Alberta, he coached the Alberta Golden Seals to six University Cup Championships and 17 West conference championships. Drake is known as the most successful coach in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, having served for 28 years. Most notably, he coached Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in 1980 and led the team to a Spengler Cup win in 1983.

Drake also served as head coach for the WHA’s Edmonton Oilers for the 1975-76 season, standing in for 48 games as his team finished 4th place in the WHA Canadian division with a 18-28-2 record. He was consequently fired. Drake’s history in the sport includes an assistant coaching job with the Winnipeg Jets, consultant for several other NHL teams, and assisting the Canadian national women’s team.

Deeper Dive

Coaching History

  • Germany-2 Düsseldorfer EG (Head Coach) 1954-1956
  • CIAU University of Alberta (Head Coach) 1956-1989
  • Ahearne Cup Lacombe Rockets (Head Coach) 1964-1965
  • Universiade Team Canada (Head Coach) 1971-72, 1980-81, 1985-1987
  • Olympic Games Team Canada (Head Coach) 1979-1980
  • WHA Edmonton Oilers (Head Coach) 1975-1976
  • NHL Winnipeg Jets (Assistant Coach) 1979-1981

Achievements

  • Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2017
  • Spengler Cup as Head Coach (1983)
  • 2x CIAU Coach of the Year (1974-75, 1987-88)

Sources