Damian Clara Bio
Damian Clara is an Italian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), while under contract with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 13, 2005, in Brunico, Italy, Clara has emerged as one of the most promising Italian players of his generation. He was selected 60th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, making him the first Italian-born player ever selected in the NHL Entry Draft. Standing 1.97 meters tall and weighing 97 kilograms, Clara is recognized for his size, athleticism, and composure in the crease.
Early Life and Background
Damian Clara was born in Brunico, a town in the South Tyrol province of northern Italy, on January 13, 2005. Growing up in a region with a strong European hockey culture, Clara was introduced to the sport at a young age and developed his goaltending skills within Italy’s youth system. At the age of 15, he moved to Salzburg, Austria, to attend the Red Bull Hockey Academy, a renowned program that has produced numerous professional players. He spent two years training at the academy, refining his technique and competing against top international talent.
His time at the Red Bull Hockey Academy proved to be a formative step in his development, exposing him to professional-level coaching and competition. The experience prepared him for the transition to one of Europe’s most respected development leagues in Sweden.
Path to Hockey
After completing his time at the Red Bull Hockey Academy, Clara joined the under-20 program of Färjestad BK in 2022. During the 2022–23 season, he appeared in 35 games for Färjestad’s U20 team, posting a 17–17–0 record with a 2.79 goals against average and a .903 save percentage. His performance in Sweden drew the attention of National Hockey League scouts ahead of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
On June 29, 2023, Damian Clara was selected 60th overall by the Anaheim Ducks, becoming the first Italian-born player to be chosen in the NHL Entry Draft. The milestone was celebrated across the Italian hockey community and marked the beginning of his professional career in North American hockey.
Damian Clara Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Clara’s professional career began in earnest with Färjestad BK’s under-20 program during the 2022–23 season. Appearing in 35 games, he demonstrated consistency and poise beyond his age, recording a 2.79 goals against average and a .903 save percentage. His strong play at the junior level confirmed his status as a top goaltending prospect heading into the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
On the international stage, Clara had already represented Italy at multiple IIHF tournaments. He first appeared for Italy at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, becoming the youngest goaltender to dress in a World Championship game. He later competed in the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championship and the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, posting strong numbers and gaining valuable experience against older competition.
SHL and HockeyAllsvenskan Breakthrough (2023–2024)
Following his draft selection, Clara was loaned to Brynäs IF of HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden’s second-tier league, for the 2023–24 season. He played 34 games in the regular season, compiling an impressive 25–8–0 record with a 2.23 goals against average and a .912 save percentage. His performance carried into the playoffs, where he went 10–1 with a 1.68 goals against average and a .931 save percentage, helping Brynäs IF earn promotion to the SHL.
That promotion run established Clara as one of the top young goaltenders in Sweden and validated the Anaheim Ducks’ investment in his development. His poise under pressure and ability to deliver in high-stakes games became defining traits of his early career.
Färjestad BK Era (2024–2025)
On June 3, 2024, Clara signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. He was subsequently loaned back to Färjestad BK for the 2024–25 SHL season, where he served as the backup goaltender behind Maxime Lagacé. Clara appeared in 21 games, posting a 9–10–0 record with a 3.19 goals against average and a .878 save percentage.
On February 14, 2025, his contract with Färjestad BK was terminated at the recommendation of the Anaheim Ducks, who retained his NHL rights. The following day, Clara signed with Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga for the remainder of the 2024–25 season. After Kärpät’s campaign concluded, he was assigned to the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, where he played two games and recorded an 0–1–0 mark with a 3.15 goals against average.
Brynäs IF Era (2025–Present)
Clara spent the majority of the 2025–26 season with Brynäs IF in the SHL. He was also assigned to the San Diego Gulls at points during the season, starting three regular season games and two Calder Cup playoff games. Following the Gulls’ elimination from the Calder Cup playoffs, Clara was called up to the Anaheim Ducks as a black ace for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs on April 26, 2026. He did not appear in a game as the Ducks were eliminated in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights.
Notable Events and Milestones
Clara’s career is highlighted by several historic achievements. He became the first Italian-born player ever selected in the NHL Entry Draft when the Anaheim Ducks chose him 60th overall in 2023. He was also one of the first six players selected to represent Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where he recorded 46 saves in the opening game against Sweden. Clara later made his top-division IIHF World Championship debut in 2026, stopping 55 of 57 shots against Czechia.
Damian Clara Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Damian Clara was raised in Brunico, a town in Italy’s South Tyrol region known for its strong winter sports tradition. Details about his immediate family have not been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
Clara maintains a private personal life and focuses primarily on his professional hockey career. Information regarding his relationships or marital status has not been made public.
2025 Season Performance
Damian Clara’s 2025 calendar year featured a series of transitions across European leagues and a return to North America. After his contract with Färjestad BK was terminated in February 2025, he joined Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga, where he finished the 2024–25 season. He was then assigned to the San Diego Gulls of the AHL, making two appearances before the season’s end.
On the international stage, Clara represented Italy at the 2025 IIHF World Championship in Division 1A, where Italy earned promotion to the top division for the 2026 tournament. Later in 2025, he was selected as one of the first six players to represent host nation Italy at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, further cementing his role as a central figure in Italian hockey.
Heading into the 2026 season, Clara returned to Brynäs IF in the SHL, continuing his development as a top goaltending prospect within the Anaheim Ducks organization. His mix of European experience and North American exposure positioned him as a player to watch for future NHL opportunities.
