Durkin finished his college career as a three-time All-American, but those that had gone up against him knew he was only getting better. After he was drafted by the Hamilton Nationals, Durkin quickly became one of the league’s best defensemen.
He left his opponents with bruises and sores — reminders for next time they met.
“I was carrying the ball and he threw one check and it got my arm,” Law said of a 2013 encounter. “It actually sent my whole arm numb. I’ve never had that to this day happen again. It wasn’t even a crazy check. It was just a normal slap check. I definitely remember that one.”
“I can remember certainly bruises after games that hurt a little bit more because they came from him,” Pannell said. “He’s so physically imposing.”
But it’s not just Durkin’s physical nature or its aftereffect. He can cover just about anyone — or at least keep them off balance, thanks to quick feet and the ability to never cross them.
“Tucker is the enforcer for any defense he plays on, but also has some of the best footwork in the world to be able to cover all different types of attackmen,” said New York Lizards attackman Will Manny, who also competed against Durkin with the U.S. training team.
“Tucker is very good at timing his push out just above GLE when you might be getting ready to shoot,” Pannell said. “He times it up really well to get you off balance. He does a good job timing your passes or shots.”
The consensus among Durkin’s opponents?
He’s the best defenseman in the world, and life on Durkin Island isn’t easy.