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Bill Clement
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William H. Clement (born December 20, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who became an author, speaker, actor, entrepreneur, and hockey broadcaster.

Key Information

Clement played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and was named an All-Star twice. He spent his first four years with the Philadelphia Flyers, with whom he won two Stanley Cup championships (1974, 1975). Clement later played for the Washington Capitals, whom he captained, and the Flames, both in Atlanta and Calgary.

Clement has broadcast five different Olympic Games and has worked for ESPN, NBC, ABC, Versus, Comcast SportsNet and TNT in the U.S., and CTV, CBC, Rogers Sportsnet and Sirius XM Radio in Canada.

His acting credits include work on the ABC daytime drama All My Children and more than 300 television ads for clients such as Chevrolet, Bud Light, and Deepwoods Off.[1] He was also one of the in-game announcers on EA Sports' NHL video games from NHL 07 through NHL 14, as well as on 2K Sports' NHL 2K series in ESPN NHL Hockey and ESPN NHL 2K5.

Biography

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Playing career

[edit]

Before his career as a broadcaster, Clement was an amateur and NHL hockey player. Born in Buckingham, Quebec, he played hockey as a child in nearby Thurso with Guy Lafleur.[2] He played Junior Hockey with the Ottawa 67s of the O.H.A., in their first three seasons.

Originally selected 18th (second round) in the 1970 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers (the Flyers' first pick of the draft), Clement played four seasons with the Flyers (as well as in minor league teams at Quebec City and Richmond, VA), and was part of the Stanley Cup-winning Flyers teams of 1973–74 and 1974–75 as the 4th line Center. Before the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft, he was traded to the Washington Capitals for their right to draft Mel Bridgman, as the first overall draft pick that year. After playing just 46 games with the Capitals (and serving as the team captain) in the 1975–76 season, he was then traded to the Atlanta Flames for Gerry Meehan, Jean Lemieux and a Round 1 pick in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft. He would play with the Flames organization in both Atlanta and Calgary, until his retirement following the 1981–82 NHL season. He played in two NHL All-Star Games, in 1976 and 1978. In 719 regular season games, he scored 148 goals, earned 206 assists, and 383 penalty minutes. In 50 playoff games, he collected five goals and three assists.

Clement was known for a calm and consistent passing game, leading to the rhyme "Clement, Clement, Hands of Cement." Bud Light referenced the old taunt in one of their popular "Hockey Falls" commercials.

Post-playing career

[edit]

After retiring from hockey, Clement worked for many years as a lead color commentator for ESPN's NHL coverage, first with play-by-play man Mike Emrick from 1986–87 to 1987–88 and later with Gary Thorne[3] from 1992–93 to 2003–04.[4][5][6] The Thorne-Clement duo were the commentators for EA Sports' NHL 07 (Xbox 360 only), NHL 08 through NHL 14, and ESPN NHL 2K5 when ESPN had the license, Clement having previously provided the color commentary on EA's NHL series for NHL 2000 and NHL 2001, with Jim Hughson.[7] The pair called the Stanley Cup Finals for ESPN and every Stanley Cup win from 1993 through 2004,[8] except for 1995; Mike Emrick and John Davidson were the broadcast team for the clinching game of that Finals series (which was aired on Fox). Davidson, who joined them as a third man in the booth for big games, did so for both Stanley Cup wins from 2003 through 2004.[9][10] From 1988–89 until 1991–92 he worked for SportsChannel America as lead color commentator on their national and regional Philadelphia Flyers telecasts.

Clement worked with Jim Lampley as a studio analyst for CNBC during their coverage of both the men's and women's ice hockey tournaments at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, and worked as the play-by-play announcer for table tennis, pentathlon events, and badminton tournaments for NBC at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. (Clement won province championships playing badminton in high school.) He also worked as an analyst at ESPN's Great Outdoor Games for several years.

He is also the host of a Flyers-based radio talk show on WBCB 1490 AM in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The show includes current and former players and coaches, as well as players from the ECHL's Trenton Devils. He also continues to provide color commentary, as well as post-game show analysis, working several local Flyers broadcasts for NBC Sports Philadelphia and The Comcast Network since the 2007–08 season.[11]

From 1986–2004, he broadcast at least one game of every Stanley Cup Finals series (with ESPN from 1986–1988, SportsChannel America from 1989–1992, ESPN again from 1993–2004, and ABC from 2000–2004). After a lockout canceled the 2005 Finals, he worked the 2006 and 2007 Finals as the studio host for OLN and NBC. He continued his streak in 2008 as a color commentator for NHL Radio on Westwood One.

In January 2021, Clement announced his retirement from broadcasting at the age of 70.[12][13][14] A year later, he and Al Morganti were inducted to Hockey Hall of Fame together, with him getting the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster while Morganti was presented with the Elmer Ferguson Memorial Award for his excellence in hockey journalism career.[15][16][3]

Personal life

[edit]

After retirement from hockey, he married his current wife, Cissie, had two children, and resides in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania. His daughter Savanah graduated from The Hun School of Princeton in 2007, while his son Chase graduated from New Hope-Solebury High School in 2008 and now goes to Delaware Valley College where he plays soccer as their goalkeeper and was First Team All Freedom Conference Player in 2012. Clement became a U.S. citizen on November 4, 2010.[17]

Bill Clement was first married to Cathie (née Maclarty) of Ottawa, Ontario. They have a daughter Christa, and grandchildren.

Career statistics

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    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1967–68 Ottawa 67's OHA-Jr. 38 6 19 25 41 — — — — —
1968–69 Ottawa 67's OHA-Jr. 53 18 28 46 101 7 1 4 5 6
1969–70 Ottawa 67's OHA-Jr. 54 19 36 55 62 5 2 0 2 0
1970–71 Quebec Aces AHL 69 19 39 58 88 1 0 0 0 0
1971–72 Richmond Robins AHL 26 8 9 17 20 — — — — —
1971–72 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 49 9 14 23 39 — — — — —
1972–73 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 73 14 14 28 51 2 0 0 0 0
1973–74 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 39 9 8 17 34 4 1 0 1 4
1974–75 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 68 21 16 37 42 12 1 0 1 8
1975–76 Washington Capitals NHL 46 10 17 27 20 — — — — —
1975–76 Atlanta Flames NHL 31 13 14 27 29 2 0 1 1 0
1976–77 Atlanta Flames NHL 67 17 26 43 27 3 1 1 2 0
1977–78 Atlanta Flames NHL 70 20 30 50 34 2 0 0 0 2
1978–79 Atlanta Flames NHL 65 12 23 35 14 2 0 0 0 0
1979–80 Atlanta Flames NHL 64 7 14 21 32 4 0 0 0 4
1980–81 Calgary Flames NHL 78 12 20 32 33 16 2 1 3 6
1981–82 Calgary Flames NHL 69 4 12 16 28 3 0 0 0 2
NHL totals 719 148 208 356 383 50 5 3 8 26

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bill Clement

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bill Clement (born December 20, 1950, in , ) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) and later became a prominent sports broadcaster. Drafted by the in the second round (18th overall) of the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, he debuted in the 1971–72 season and contributed to the Flyers' consecutive championships in 1974 and 1975 as a member of the "Broad Street Bullies." Over his NHL career, spanning 719 regular-season games with the Flyers (1971–1975), Washington Capitals (1975–1976), Atlanta Flames (1976–1980), and Calgary Flames (1980–1982), Clement recorded 148 goals and 208 assists for 356 points, along with 383 penalty minutes. He served as captain of the Capitals during the 1975–76 season and was selected to represent the Wales Conference in the NHL All-Star Games of 1976 and 1978. Known for his defensive play and faceoff prowess, he appeared in 50 playoff games, helping the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Finals two times. Following his retirement as a player in , Clement transitioned to broadcasting, serving as an NHL analyst for networks including , , ABC, and TNT over 18 years, where he covered more than 20 Stanley Cup Finals, four , and over 1,000 U.S. national broadcasts. His contributions to hockey media were recognized with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2022, inducting him into the Hockey Hall of Fame's media honours for excellence in the field.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Bill Clement was born on December 20, 1950, in , , , and was raised in the same working-class community. , a small industrial town in the region, had an economy centered on the pulp and paper sector, with the James Maclaren Company operating a major groundwood there since 1902 that employed many local residents through the mid-20th century. This environment of lumber processing and mill work along the Lièvre River provided the backdrop for his early years in a community shaped by seasonal labor and industrial activity. Growing up in a family in , Clement developed an early penchant for humor, often striving to make his mother laugh and earning a reputation as a even before attending school—traits that reflected his playful and resilient personality amid everyday challenges. His initial exposure to sports occurred through community hockey games in nearby , , where he played as a child and served as a linemate to future Hall of Famer from ages 12 to 15. These informal experiences in the tight-knit communities fostered his passion for the game and introduced him to the camaraderie of team sports, paving the way for his transition to organized youth hockey.

Introduction to Hockey

Bill Clement, born and raised in , , , first engaged with organized hockey in nearby through local youth leagues. These early experiences on community rinks and in regional teams introduced him to competitive play amid the hockey-passionate . From ages 12 to 15, Clement centered a line alongside future Hockey Hall of Famer on youth teams in , honing fundamental skills in fast-paced, physical local competition. This period marked the beginning of his progression through amateur ranks. Positioned as a center with a left shot, Clement's playing style emphasized defensive reliability and physical engagement—traits that emerged alongside his growing frame, reaching 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) in height and 190 lb (86 kg) by his competitive years. His leadership qualities, evident in team-oriented roles, further developed during these formative amateur stages, setting the foundation for his path to higher levels of play.

Playing Career

Junior and Draft Years

Bill Clement began his junior hockey career with the newly formed of the (OHA) during the team's inaugural 1967–68 season. Playing as a , he appeared in 38 games that year, recording 6 goals and 19 assists for 25 points, while accumulating 41 penalty minutes, contributing to a young squad that struggled with a 6–45–3 record. In the 1968–69 season, Clement emerged as a leader on the 67's, serving as team captain at age 17 and helping guide the club to improved performance. He played all 53 regular-season games, boosting his production to 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points, though his physical play led to 101 penalty minutes. The following year, 1969–70, Clement continued his development, appearing in 54 games with 19 goals and 36 assists for 55 points and 62 penalty minutes, solidifying his role as a reliable two-way forward on a team that reached the OHA playoffs. Clement's strong junior performances culminated in his selection by the as the 18th overall pick (second round, fourth selection by the Flyers) in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. Following the draft, he gained pre-NHL experience by joining the Flyers' affiliate in the (AHL) for the 1970–71 season, where he played 74 games, scoring 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points. This minor-league stint provided essential professional seasoning before his NHL debut.

Philadelphia Flyers Era

Bill Clement made his NHL debut during the 1971–72 season with the after being selected in the second round (18th overall) of the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. His first full professional season came in 1971–72, where he appeared in 49 games, recording 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points while accumulating 30 penalty minutes. Over his Flyers tenure from 1971–72 to 1974–75, Clement established himself as a reliable , contributing 53 goals and 52 assists in 229 regular-season games, with 166 penalty minutes reflecting his involvement in the team's gritty style. Clement played a supporting role in the Flyers' "Broad Street Bullies" era, a period marked by aggressive physical play that led the NHL in team penalty minutes during the 1973–74 and 1974–75 seasons. Though not one of the team's primary enforcers, he embraced the collective toughness, once describing himself as the "glove delivery boy" for fights while focusing on skilled play alongside stars like and Rick MacLeish. His steady presence on the third and fourth lines helped maintain the Flyers' intimidating presence, contributing to their dominance in a league increasingly favoring expansion teams. Clement's contributions were pivotal in the Flyers' back-to-back championships in 1974 and 1975, the first for an expansion franchise. In the 1974 , he played 4 games, scoring 1 goal with 0 assists and 4 penalty minutes, including a key tally in the semifinals against the . The following year, during the 1975 postseason run, Clement appeared in 12 games, again notching 1 goal and 0 assists with 8 penalty minutes, providing depth scoring and reliability as the Flyers defeated the in the Finals. These efforts underscored his value in high-stakes situations amid the team's physical playoff intensity. Following the 1975 Cup win, Clement was traded to the in June 1975. He was selected for the 1976 NHL All-Star Game, representing the Wales Conference.

Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames

Following his success with the , including back-to-back championships, Bill Clement was traded to the on June 3, 1975, along with in exchange for the Capitals' first-overall selection in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft. In his only full season with the expansion franchise, Clement appeared in 46 games, recording 10 goals and 17 assists while adjusting to a rebuilding team that finished last in the league with a 11-41-28 record. He was named the Capitals' for the 1975–76 season, sharing the role with defenseman Yvon Labre, and provided veteran leadership to a young roster during a challenging inaugural year in Washington. Midway through the 1975–76 campaign, on January 22, 1976, the traded Clement to the in exchange for Gerry Meehan, Jean Lemieux, and a 1976 first-round draft pick, marking the start of his tenure with the franchise. He finished that season with the , playing 31 games and contributing 13 goals and 14 assists, helping the team to a more competitive 34-33-13 finish in the . Clement remained with for the next several seasons, establishing himself as a reliable center known for his defensive play and faceoff prowess. In the 1977–78 season, he earned a selection to the NHL as a representative of the Campbell Conference, appearing in the January 24 matchup at where the Conference defeated the Campbell Conference 3–2 in overtime. Clement's performance with the Atlanta Flames peaked in the 1979–80 season, where he played all 64 games, scoring 7 goals and adding 14 assists for 21 points while accumulating 32 penalty minutes, contributing to the team's 35-30-15 record and a playoff berth. That summer, amid financial difficulties and low attendance in Atlanta, the Flames relocated to Calgary, Alberta, becoming the Calgary Flames for the 1980–81 season; Clement moved with the team, providing continuity as a seasoned forward. He played two more seasons in Calgary, appearing in 69 games during 1981–82 with 4 goals and 12 assists, before announcing his retirement at age 31 following the team's 28-32-20 campaign. Over 11 NHL seasons with the Flyers, Capitals, and Flames, Clement played in 719 regular-season games, tallying 148 goals and 208 assists for 356 points.

Post-Playing Career

Broadcasting Roles

Bill Clement began his broadcasting career in the , joining for the as a . Over the years, he worked for major networks including , , ABC in the United States, as well as CTV and CBC in . His experience as a two-time champion with the provided a unique perspective that enriched his on-air analysis. Clement's most prominent role was in covering NHL playoff action, where he provided commentary for 22 consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, beginning in 1986 and continuing through 2008, often partnering with play-by-play announcers like on . He contributed to broadcasts across various outlets during this period, including SportsChannel America and later , delivering color commentary that highlighted strategic insights from his playing days. In addition to domestic leagues, Clement commentated on international hockey events, including four : the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics for TNT as a hockey analyst, the 2002 Winter Olympics as NBC's studio analyst for hockey coverage, the 2004 Summer Olympics for NBC as an analyst for and , and the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics as NBC's host for hockey coverage. His Olympic work extended to other sports, such as play-by-play for , , and , showcasing his versatility. Later in his career, Clement joined as a color analyst for games starting in 2007, frequently partnering with Keith Jones on the broadcast team. He continued in this role through two stints totaling over 16 years, contributing to regional coverage until his retirement. Clement announced his retirement from broadcasting in January 2021 at age 70, concluding a 35-year career that spanned national and local networks.

Media and Entertainment Ventures

Following his playing career, Bill Clement ventured into , appearing in the ABC All My Children during the early . He also took on minor roles in film, including as a pre-game in the 1995 action thriller Sudden Death. These pursuits marked his initial foray into on-screen entertainment beyond sports commentary. Clement extended his media presence through in video games, serving as a in ' NHL series from NHL 07 (2006) through NHL 14 (2013), often paired with play-by-play Gary Thorne. His distinctive calls, such as enthusiastic reactions to Stanley Cup moments, became fan favorites in these titles, which simulated professional hockey gameplay. Earlier, he provided color commentary for NHL 2000 and NHL 2001 alongside Jim Hughson. In radio, Clement hosted the sports talk program Bill Clement's Hockey World on WBCB 1490 AM in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, starting in the early 2000s and continuing through at least the 2010s. The weekly one-hour show, broadcast live from Chickie's & Pete's restaurant, featured interviews with current and former NHL players, coaches, and minor-league affiliates like the ECHL's Trenton Titans, focusing on news and broader hockey topics. Clement's other entertainment contributions included over 250 television commercials, many tied to sports and consumer products, as well as appearances in hockey-themed media. He featured in the 2010 HBO documentary Broad Street Bullies, providing insights into the ' championship era of the 1970s, where his on-camera commentary added humor and historical context. Additionally, he narrated or appeared in promotional spots, such as a 2002 commercial for Hockey Falls alongside former broadcaster .

Speaking and Authorship

Following his retirement from broadcasting, Bill Clement shifted focus to motivational speaking and authorship, drawing on his experiences as a two-time Stanley Cup champion to inspire audiences on leadership and resilience. In 2011, Clement authored EveryDay Leadership: Crossing Gorges on Tightropes to Success, a book that explores leadership principles derived from his hockey career, emphasizing perseverance through challenges likened to navigating precarious paths. The work features a foreword by Wayne Gretzky and highlights themes such as building team dynamics under pressure and turning personal setbacks into growth opportunities. Clement has established himself as a sought-after , delivering presentations on topics including , resilience, , and the required for in sports and professional environments. His talks often incorporate anecdotes from his NHL tenure to illustrate concepts like overcoming fear and fostering , with engagements typically commanding fees between $20,000 and $30,000. Post-2021, his speaking activities have expanded to include virtual and in-person events focused on adaptability in later career stages, such as maintaining amid aging. As an entrepreneur, Clement has developed motivational programs that extend his speaking expertise into corporate training and initiatives, leveraging his championship background to consult on building resilient organizational cultures. These ventures emphasize practical strategies for leadership in high-stakes settings, often tailored for business audiences seeking insights from athletic success. In 2025, Clement continued his public engagements with a guest appearance on the Overtime Podcast in , where he discussed career , principles, and reflections on personal growth drawn from decades in hockey and media. He has also participated in sports-themed discussions and interviews, reinforcing his role as a voice on resilience and achievement in contemporary settings.

Awards and Honors

On-Ice Accomplishments

Bill Clement achieved his most significant on-ice honors during his tenure with the , where he contributed to back-to-back championships in 1974 and 1975. In the 1974 playoffs, as a key fourth-line center known for his defensive reliability and faceoff prowess, Clement helped the Flyers defeat the in the finals, appearing in limited but impactful games during the Broad Street Bullies' inaugural title run. The following year, he played a more prominent role, logging 12 games with 1 goal and 1 assist, including an insurance goal late in Game 6 of the Final against the that helped secure a 2-0 victory and Philadelphia's second consecutive championship. Clement earned NHL All-Star selections in 1976 and 1978, recognizing his consistent two-way play across teams. In the 1976 Game at the in , representing the on the squad, he skated in the 7-5 win over the Campbell without recording a point but exemplified the gritty style that defined his career. Two years later, as a member of the , he again participated for the Campbell in the 1978 game in Buffalo, playing one period with no points in a 6-3 loss to the team. One of Clement's notable leadership honors came early in his Washington Capitals stint, when he served as team captain during the 1975-76 season alongside alternate Yvon Labre, guiding the expansion franchise through a challenging year with 46 games played and 27 points. This role underscored his reputation for tenacity and team-first contributions, even as the Capitals struggled to a 29th-place finish in the league standings.

Broadcasting and Media Recognition

In 2022, Bill Clement was inducted into the through the Memorial Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster over more than three decades. This honor highlighted his role as a and studio host, particularly for his insightful analysis and engaging style that connected with audiences across multiple networks. Clement's broadcasting legacy includes coverage of 22 consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 1986 to 2008, working for , ABC, , and other outlets, as well as five spanning both winter and summer events, where he provided commentary on hockey and various other sports. These milestones underscored his versatility and longevity in sports media, earning him acclaim for elevating national hockey broadcasts in the United States. Earlier in his media career, Clement received the 1993 CableACE Award for best analyst in any sport, specifically for his work on SportsChannel America's coverage of the 1992 NHL playoffs and Final. Additionally, a 1996 reader survey by voted him the favorite national TV personality in hockey, reflecting his popularity among fans for his knowledgeable and approachable commentary. Upon his retirement from in January 2021, after 16 years as a color analyst for games, tributes emphasized Clement's enduring impact on hockey , including his record of over 1,000 national U.S. telecasts and his ability to blend playing experience with media expertise. This announcement, coinciding with his 70th birthday, celebrated a career that bridged generations of fans through memorable calls and post-game insights.

Personal Life

Family and Marriages

Bill Clement was first married to Cathie Maclarty, whom he wed prior to his professional hockey career gaining prominence; the couple, both from Canadian backgrounds, had a named Christa. Christa has been diagnosed with and has built her own , including grandchildren for Clement. Following his , Clement married Cissie, whom he met during an acting audition where they were paired to read as a couple; the pair celebrated their union starting in the mid-1980s and have remained together since. Together, they have three children: daughters Savannah, a teacher who has lived abroad including in , and Regan, who has and lives with her parents; and son Chase, who works in finance after graduating from the . Clement's family provided crucial support amid his career shifts, including relocations from Canada to the United States during his early NHL days with the Philadelphia Flyers, where Cathie and young Christa adapted to life in Pennsylvania. Later transitions into broadcasting and entrepreneurship were bolstered by Cissie and the children, with the family eventually settling in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1986, before moving to Waynesville, North Carolina, in early 2021 to access specialized support for Regan through local organizations. While none of the children have pursued professional paths in hockey or media, the family's emphasis on resilience—exemplified by Christa's and Regan's challenges—has influenced Clement's advocacy and speaking engagements.

U.S. Citizenship and Residence

Bill Clement, born in , , , became a naturalized U.S. citizen on November 4, 2010, during a held at the Eleventh Street Atrium of Arena in . The event featured significant fan support, with Clement joined at the podium by family, friends, and former teammates Dave Schultz, Orest Kindrachuk, and Bob Kelly, amid cheers from hundreds or thousands of attendees across three levels of the arena. Clement, then 59, later described the occasion as exceeding his expectations, highlighting "the spirit of the Flyers fans, the spirit of and the spirit of America." His decision was influenced by the events of September 11, 2001, and his long-term residency in the United States. Following his NHL retirement in 1982, Clement settled in , in 1986, initially in Morrisville before moving through Yardley, New Hope-Solebury, and Newtown. He chose the area for its charm, open spaces, historical significance, and convenient access to and , qualities that resonated with his Canadian roots and preference for a value-driven, community-oriented environment. The family raised four children there over three decades. As of 2025, Clement resides in . In interviews, Clement has reflected on his dual Canadian-American identity, embracing the American experience while maintaining ties to his heritage, as evidenced by his appreciation for Philadelphia's communal spirit during his . Tied to his residence, Clement has engaged in local community efforts, including coaching and supporting Winter Classic hockey events benefiting players with special needs in the area since 2018. He has also participated in Flyers Alumni initiatives, such as charity pledges and fundraisers across the Delaware Valley.

Career Statistics

NHL Regular Season

Bill Clement played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), appearing in 719 regular-season games and accumulating 148 goals, 208 assists, and 356 points, while recording 383 penalty minutes. His career points-per-game average stood at 0.50, reflecting consistent production as a middle-six forward. These totals spanned his time with the (1971–1975), (part of 1975–76), and Atlanta/Calgary Flames (1975–1982). With the Flyers, Clement suited up for 229 games, tallying 53 goals and 52 assists for 105 points and 166 penalty minutes. His peak performance came during the 1973–75 seasons, where he posted 28 points in 73 games in 1972–73, 17 points in 39 games in 1973–74 (limited by injury), and a career-high 37 points in 68 games in 1974–75. This period highlighted his growing reliability in a competitive lineup, with his 1974–75 output marking his strongest scoring pace at 0.54 . Clement's stint with the expansion Capitals was brief but challenging, as he played 46 games in 1975–76, recording 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points and just 20 penalty minutes amid the team's struggles. He then spent the bulk of his career with the franchise, appearing in 444 games across and from 1975–76 to 1981–82, where he notched 85 goals, 139 assists, 224 points, and 197 penalty minutes. His production evolved steadily, peaking with 50 points in 1977–78 before settling into a more defensive-oriented output in later years. Throughout his career, Clement served primarily as a checking , emphasizing defensive responsibilities and physical play to neutralize opponents, which aligned with his 383 career penalty minutes and plus-12 rating during his Flyers tenure. His scoring dipped from early peaks to a more modest 20–25 points per season by the late , reflecting a shift toward reliability in faceoffs and penalty killing over offensive flair, especially after his 1976 appearance. This evolution underscored his adaptability across rebuilding and contending teams over 11 seasons.

NHL Playoffs

Bill Clement appeared in 50 NHL playoff games over his career, recording 5 goals, 3 assists, and 8 points while accumulating 26 penalty minutes. His postseason contributions emphasized defensive reliability and penalty killing rather than offensive output, aligning with his role as a steady, faceoff-strong who helped contain opponents in high-pressure situations. During the ' back-to-back runs in 1974 and 1975, Clement played a supporting role in 16 games, scoring 2 goals with no assists. In the 1974 , he appeared in 4 games, including the Final against the , where he scored his lone goal of the series on May 16 in Game 5—a 1-5 loss despite his even-strength tally assisted by Bill Flett and Ed Van Impe. The following year, in the 1975 Final against the , Clement contributed 1 goal in 12 games, notably scoring the insurance marker at 17:13 of the third period in Game 6 on May 27, securing a 2-0 clinching victory and the Flyers' second consecutive championship. Clement's later playoff appearances came exclusively with the Flames franchise after his 1975 trade from , as the did not qualify for the postseason during his lone season there in 1975-76. With the , he played 13 games across five postseasons from 1976 to 1980, tallying 1 goal and 2 assists, including a goal in the 1977 quarterfinals against the and 4 games with no points in the 1980 quarterfinals against the . After the franchise relocated to , he participated in 19 games over two years, highlighted by the 1981 run to the Final where he recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 16 games against the Chicago Black Hawks, , and , though the Flames fell in six games. In 1982, his final playoff stint, Clement played 3 games without points as lost in the division semifinals to the .
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM
1972-7320000
1973-7441014
1974-75121018
1975-76ATL20110
1976-77ATL31120
1977-78ATL20002
1978-79ATL20000
1979-80ATL40004
1980-81CGY162136
1981-82CGY30002
Total5053826

References

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  31. https://atlantahockey.fandom.com/wiki/Bill_Clement
  32. https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/article_f009ddba-3da0-11e3-9889-0019bb2963f4.html
  33. https://wbcb1490.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WBCB-Media-Kit-2017.pdf
  34. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/%2522the-bill-clement-show%2522-to-feature-trenton-devils/n-3931375
  35. https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/profile/20230/bill-clement
  36. https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/review-10-reasons-watch-broad-street-bullies-hbo--nhl.html
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2fg5PgDsd0
  38. https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/bill-clement
  39. https://gothamartists.com/bill-clement/
  40. https://www.amazon.com/EveryDay-Leadership-Crossing-Tightropes-Success/dp/1973823837
  41. https://books.google.com/books/about/EveryDay_Leadership.html?id=j_c1swEACAAJ
  42. https://www.bernsteinbooks.com/newest-titles/everyday-leadership-crossing-gorges-on-tightropes-to-success
  43. https://corporatespeakeragency.com/bill-clement-keynote-speaker/
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbpFVqVOfv8
  45. https://www.preferredspeakers.com/speakers-2-2/bill-clement/
  46. https://www.mcptalent.com/talent/bill-clement/
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ncuI9rKlA
  48. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/overtime-podcast-season-3-ep-18-bill-clement/id1654005688?i=1000690094716
  49. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3nI21lsyeNej8Lq2yPBEyY
  50. https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/sports/pro/2021/01/16/bill-clement-looks-back-his-long-and-satisfying-nhl-career-flyers/4147503001/
  51. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl-all-star-game/en/teams/wales-conference-all-stars-players-1976-nhl-all-star-game-stats.html
  52. https://www.japersrink.com/the-washington-capitals-unlikely-all-star-team-01-21-2019/
  53. https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl-all-star-game/en/teams/campbell-conference-all-stars-players-1978-nhl-all-star-game-stats.html
  54. https://www.hhof.com/general/fosterhewittmemorialaward.html
  55. https://broadstreetbuzz.com/2021/01/07/bill-clement-retires/
  56. https://archive.thehockeynews.com/issue/604615/9
  57. https://www.themountaineer.com/sports/waynesville-resident-to-receive-hockey-hall-of-fame-award/article_a85720ce-08ec-11ed-830a-f7a2f3dcf638.html
  58. https://www.arcofhaywood.org/blog/our_team/bill-clement/
  59. https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/local/2016/02/28/after-calling-flyers-games-bill/18163760007/
  60. https://flyersalumni.net/12-days-of-christmas-2024-day-3-the-arc-of-haywood-county-waynesville-nc/
  61. https://www.delcotimes.com/2010/11/04/flyers-scoop-ex-rangers-betts-zherdev-heat-up-rivalry/
  62. https://www.phillyburbs.com/story/news/local/2016/02/28/after-calling-flyers-games-bill/18163760007/
  63. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1544830/2020/01/20/for-coach-bill-clement-and-team-local-winter-classic-event-benefiting-players-with-special-needs-is-a-labor-of-love/
  64. https://flyersalumni.net/community/
  65. https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/playbook/20100528_Same_grit__different_year__Clement_on_Betts.html
  66. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/clemebi01/gamelog/playoffs/
  67. https://www.hockey-reference.com/boxscores/197405160BOS.html
  68. https://www.hockey-reference.com/boxscores/197505270BUF.html
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