Photo: Lehigh Valley Phantoms

The game began at the crack of dawn. Well, 10:30 a.m., but it felt like the roosters were still crowing. The reason for the early start was to allow the Bridgeport Islanders to hold their “school day game”, which allows kids from all over the Bridgeport area to ditch school and attend a hockey game. A brilliant marketing strategy and a great event for growing the game of hockey. It’s a shame more teams don’t do it.

Today’s early start is for Bridgeport’s “school day game”. Great way to introduce kids to the game. pic.twitter.com/kd0ikS6Zs8

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 5, 2022

The game was also the Bears latest attempt at making history by winning their 3,000th AHL game in franchise history. They were winless in their previous four games and last seven games on the road.

Anyway, a few days ago we told you about defenseman Lucas Johansen and the excellent rebound season he’s having. After years of struggles and injuries, Johansen’s game has finally emerged, and he’s having a career year. But there is another Capitals draft pick who looks like he’s finally breaking through.

Enter Kody Clark, the Capitals second round (#47 overall) draft pick in 2018. (For a bit of context, the Capitals also selected Martin Fehervary that year, also in the second round). Clark, 22, had been inconsistent in his two-plus seasons in Hershey, and like Johansen, had also been hampered by injuries.

The 2021-22 season started in much the same fashion for Clark, then came the spring and things began to turn around for the 6’-3” winger. Most recently he notched the overtime game-winner in the “school day game”, finally securing the 3,000th franchise victory.

Kody Clark drops the hammer in overtime! Bears win 3,000th AHL game in franchise history. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/qAVSuwZsg6

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) April 5, 2022

Clark, the son of NHL legend Wendell Clark, has eight goals and 11 assists in 59 games played so far this season, both AHL career-highs. While his scoring uptick is not staggering, Clark’s game on the ice has stood out as the season has progressed.

Beautiful give-and-go between Riley Sutter and Kody Clark with Clark finishing for his 6th goal of the season. Bears lead 2-1 midway through the third period. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/yLZN5gjccD

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) February 5, 2022

There were large chunks of seasons where Clark was on the ice but practically invisible. That’s no longer the case. Clark has regularly demonstrated his skating skills and his speed entering the offensive zone, something he wasn’t asked to do in the past.

Prior to the Axel Snipe, the Bears made it 2-0 on a goal from Kody Clark, his 4th tally of the season. #HBH #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/WiTbSI1pJ5

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) December 15, 2021

Because of his injuries, Clark has played in just 107 AHL games so far, so this could technically still be considered his sophomore year in the AHL. Is Clark threatening a roster spot with the Capitals this fall? Likely not. However, what once looked like a squandered pick in the second round is now starting to show some very positive signs.

By Jon Sorensen