The Clarke-Simpson Memorial Award, formerly known as the Darryl Clarke Memorial Award, is presented annually at the Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament, recognizing the player who demonstrates the most clever smack talk on the court—without crossing into vicious territory.
Named in honor of VASHL Commissioner Darryl Clarke, the award pays tribute to his legendary wit and sharp banter, a skill that has long been a defining trait of VASHL competition. The trophy features a glass with the reminder to “never forget to be awesome”, a nod to Clarke himself—who is, in fact, awesome.
After a remarkable five consecutive wins by Jody Simpson, his name was added to the award, solidifying its transition to the Clarke-Simpson Award—a testament to both Clarke’s and Simpson’s influence on the league’s culture of competitive but lighthearted trash talk.
Past Winners
