Clare Drouillard

Clare Drouillard had a long and varied career in pro hockey. He didn't have to go too far to play in the NHL, albeit for only 10 career games. The Windsor born 5'7" 150lb center just had the cross the river (and the border) to play for the Detroit Red Wings in 1937-38.

By then Drouillard had already been nearly four years removed from his dominant performance in the 1934 Memorial Cup championships. He scored 15 goals and 35 points in 11 games to pace the St. Michael's Majors to the title. Other notable players for St. Mike's that year included Bobby Bauer, Art Jackson, Pep Kelly and Nick Metz.

For the two seasons immediately following his last junior year Drouillard returned to Windsor and played with the Bulldogs. By 1936 he found himself at home with the minor league Pittsburgh Hornets, where he would spend most of four of the next five seasons. The speedy center seems to have been dubbed "Mickey" in Pittsburgh, which I believe may reference Clare's older brother. He was a notable Windsor hockey star, too, although he never played in the NHL.

Interrupting Clare's tenure in Pittsburgh was a season in Hershey and the 10 game call up to the National Hockey League. The crafty Drouillard was used sparingly, however, and only managed a lone assist on his career scoring record.

Despite his lack of opportunity in the National Hockey League, Drouillard did have interest from many NHL teams. In addition to Detroit, Boston, Toronto, and the New York Americans all owned his playing rights at one time or another.

Drouillard would bounce around the minor leagues until 1942 when he returned home to Windsor. He continued to play in the Windsor City Hockey League, joining his brother for a time.