"But one big issue that we have is that we do not have a professional team playing in London. We used to have the London Knights but they finished a few years ago now."

But Clarke is encouraged by the rise of homegrown talent in a GB team which used to be packed with dual nationality players, often of Canadian and U.S. heritage.

So can a GB team make it to a future Olympics and take a short step towards emulating the 1936 heroes?

"Without a doubt," he said. "But if we don't start now we are going to miss the opportunity.

"It's a case of getting that talent to play to the best of their abilities. Slovenia, who we have beaten, came through the qualifying to make it to Sochi, and so can we at future Games."

Clarke shows no signs of hanging up his sticks, and playing for his country remains the ultimate goal.

"It's a massive honor. Any sport you're involved in, the pinnacle is to represent your country," he said.

That he has been able to survive at the top of the tree for that long is testament to Clarke's commitment and a fitness program that begins at 7 a.m. each morning.

He practices on the ice for about two hours, in the gym for an hour and a half followed by about 45 minutes of rehabilitation and stretching.

"We consume lots and lots of food, way over the recommended daily allowance," he said.

"Especially for me because I struggle to keep my weight on."

Physical sport

The world over, ice hockey is a tough and physical sport and Clarke has his tales of woe.

"Broken leg twice, a few knee ligament injuries, concussions. A few pucks, sticks in the head but we have good dentists and good doctors on hand."

He first picked up a stick at his local rink when only six years of age and, aside from the brief flirtation with football, was dead set on representing Britain at ice hockey.

He progressed through the under 18 and 20 ranks, eventually taking his place in a GB lineup with players he had considered "his idols" when watching as a youngster.

"When he first broke into the British squad at the turn of the century his talent was obvious," said Ice Hockey UK's media officer Chris Ellis.

Clarke's regular position is as an offensive forward "expected to contribute goals and in assists" and his standout abilities earned him a one-year contract with Alleghe in Italy in 2007.

"He is one of the few British players to play abroad at the top level," said Ellis.

But the lure of home proved too strong and he returned to Nottingham for another successful spell.