We learned that Clark Palen, a close friend of ours and a member of our Red Wings family, had perished in a vehicle accident the previous evening as we were leaving for Parker’s game.

For a few years, Clarky was like a second son to us. We took him in our car to many away games, had him stay with us at the hotel, and we shared sleepovers and summertime activities.

He was a great skater in hockey, quick and brutal, and he once assisted us in winning the WNY League title. He was cute when he was young and made you laugh uncontrollably numerous times.

He was also a bit of a wild child, which only made him more appealing. That such a shining light should be tragically extinguished at the age of 18 is just so unjust. However, Clark the Shark packed a lot of enjoyment into his 18 years and left a lasting effect in his brief existence. I believe that our relationship was unique since he frequently accompanied me and followed me. He even asked his mother, the kindest person you will ever meet, if he could get his hair highlighted like mine was years ago, which he did, lmao! Yesterday as we were leaving, something urged me to put on my Red Wings shirt and coat, so I did.

It was extremely strange. When Parker returned after obtaining dinner last Saturday, he mentioned that he thought he had seen Clark off in the distance. We had to travel to Bill Gray’s rink for a friend’s game. We were as busy as normal, and I had expected to run into him before we left, but I became distracted by people and never did. I wish we had looked now. His family is such wonderful folks, my heart hurts for them! This morning, I discovered the photograph below, which shows him costumed as Don Cherry. He is personified, and Clarky is summed up in one sentence!! We miss you, buddy, R.I.P. #44! Every time a Red Wing!

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