Darnell Nurse is a prominent Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman serving as an alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL. Born on February 4, 1995, Nurse comes from an athletic family with his father, a former CFL player, and his mother, a collegiate basketball player.
Nurse established himself early as a commanding presence on the ice, playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL, where he was team captain. Drafted seventh overall by the Oilers in 2013, Nurse quickly became a cornerstone of the team’s defense. He has also tasted success internationally, winning gold with Team Canada at the 2015 World Junior Championship and silver at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.
Darnell Nurse parents
Darnell Nurse is the son of Richard and Cathy Nurse. He comes from a family deeply rooted in sports, with his parents playing a pivotal role in shaping his athletic journey. His father Richard Nurse is a former wide receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League (CFL). His mother Cathy Doucette Nurse was a talented basketball player at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Cathy’s competitive nature extended beyond the court; she was also known for excelling in volleyball and track.
Both parents brought a wealth of athletic knowledge and discipline to their children. Darnell has credited his parents with providing a supportive yet realistic viewpoint on the demands and rewards of professional sports.
Darnell Nurse siblings
Darnell Nurse's older sister Tamika Nurse is a former basketball player with an impressive collegiate career. She played at Bowling Green State University and the University of Oregon.
Darnell’s younger sister Kia Nurse has become a household name in Canadian basketball. At just 15, Kia was already making waves by leading her team, St. Thomas More Secondary in Hamilton, to multiple championships. She also captained the Ontario under-15 team to a national title, establishing herself as a rising star. Since then, Kia has achieved remarkable success, including winning two NCAA championships with the University of Connecticut, representing Canada in international competitions, and becoming a standout player in the WNBA with the New York Liberty as per CBC Sports.
Darnell Nurse's other family members
Beyond his immediate family, Darnell’s extended relatives have significantly influenced his development. His uncle Donovan McNabb is a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback who played 13 NFL seasons. Training alongside McNabb during summers exposed Nurse to an elite physical preparation and work ethic. Nurse's younger sister Kia Nurse is a guard for the WNBA's New York Liberty and a two-time NCAA champion. Darnell Nurse calls Kia “the best athlete” in the family, describing her as a “freak of nature" as per NHL.com.
His cousin Sarah Nurse is an Olympic hockey player for Team Canada. This network of accomplished athletes has provided Darnell Nurse with valuable inspiration and support in his journey.
Darnell Nurse wife
Darnell Nurse is married to Mikayla Marelli, a dancer. She has trained at programs across Canada and the USA including Interlochen Center for the Arts, Debbie Allen’s summer intensive, MuseEffect, and many more as per Studio Dance Arts. The couple tied the knot in 2022 in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Mikayla Marelli and Nurse have known each other since their high school at St. Marys as per Rachelaclingen.
Darnell Nurse kids
Darnell Nurse and his wife Mikayla Marelli have two kids named Aiden and Chase, born in 2021 and 2023, respectively.
FAQs on Darnell Nurse family
A. Darnell Nurse's father Richard Nurse is a former wide receiver for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League (CFL)
A. Sarah Nurse is a cousin of Darnell Nurse.
A. The Nurse family is a native of Hamilton.
A. Darnell Nurse is younger brother of Tamika Nurse.
