Darnell Nurse

Darnell Nurse (born on February 4, 1995) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Darnell was selected by the Oilers 7th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing Career
Selected third overall in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, Darnell played three seasons with Sault Ste. Marie in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

He was rated as a top prospect who fulfilled the expectation to be a Top-10 selection at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Darnell was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round (seventh overall) of the draft. On July 25, 2013, he was signed by the Oilers to a three-year entry level contract.

While he was the only one of the top eight picks in his draft class to not make his team's opening night roster, Darnell was called up and scored his first NHL goal on October 27 against the Minnesota Wild in his third NHL game.

International Play
During the 2011–12 season, Darnell won a bronze medal with Team Ontario at the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and was named to the Tournament All-Star Team.

During that same season, he was one of only four underage players to play with Team Canada at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships, winning the bronze medal.

During the 2012–13 season, Darnell played with Team Canada to win a gold medal at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. He was also an invited participant at the 2013 CHL Top Prospects Game.

Darnell won gold with Canada at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship and he was named one of Canada's top three players.

Personal Life
Darnell is the son of former Canadian Football League wide receiver Richard Nurse.

He is also the nephew of former NFL star quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is married to Darnell's aunt, Raquel Nurse McNabb. His cousin, Sarah Nurse, plays ice hockey for the Wisconsin Badgers.

His sister, Kia plays basketball for the Connecticut Huskies and is a member of the Canadian national team.