Icing on the Cake: Chris Durno
By KP Kelly
Christopher Scott Durno was born on the day of the dead in 1980 in Scarborough, ON. The 30-year-old winger signed as a free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 15, 2011. He is currently with the AHL affiliate, Charlotte Checkers, as an alternate captain.
I must be honest here, this may be the most difficult Icing on the Cake post to date. This man has moved around more than a group of carnival folk. So, I hope I get this right…
He spent his collegiate career with Michigan Tech (WCHA) and in four years he played in 130 contests, earned 48 points (22g, 26a) and 184 penalty minutes.
2003-04 marked Durno’s first professional season with in the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators. He played in 68 games and claimed 20 goals and 26 assists. I also need to mention his shining playoff efforts as the forward had 12 points (7g, 5a) in 13 post season match-ups. The following season was equally successful with 56 points in 66 games (20g, 36a).
This is the point in the timeline where my head starts to throb. God bless you Chris Durno for enduring this madness and still playing a solid game. The 2005-06 season was split between two Admirals…Milwaukee (57gp, 20g, 20a) and Norfolk (22gp, 4g, 1a). He was signed September 25, 2006 by Chicago and assigned to the Virginia team.
Durno laced up for 63 AHL games between Norfolk, Portland, and Milwaukee for the 2006-07 season. During the 2007-08, with San Antonio, he had 23 goals and 49 helpers in 80 contests. On July 3, 2008 he signed a 1 year deal as a free agent with Colorado.
Mr. Chris made his NHL debut with Colorado on January 18, 2009. He also played in 76 games for their AHL affiliate, Lake Erie Monsters. He would participate in 41 games with the Avalanche during the 2009-10 season to earn 4 goals and 4 assists. His first NHL goal came on December 26, 2009 against the Dallas Stars.
*Deep breath. Pours cold drink.*
Finally, last season was spent playing 73 contests with Norfolk. Durno had 19 goals, 17 assists, and 120 penalty minutes. He also had a 3-point game against Charlotte on December 30, 2010 (1g, 2a) on December 30, 2010 as he earned a goal and two helpers in the contest. We didn’t like Mr. Durno during that 60 minutes, however, Checkers still won 4-3.
Unfortunately, I don’t know the Charlotte newcomer very well, so my magical (and yet fictitious) birthday presents were difficult to personalize. Therefore, I just shot for pure awesomeness.
- After taking a picture with him and Mathieu Roy at the Skate with the Checkers event, I overheard Roy call Chris an “old man.” So, here’s a gift #1: A drink from the Fountain of Youth. Say goodbye to any signs of aging and age-related chirping. Durno shall always have the energy and health of a twenty year old. Hum, that may equally be a gift for his wife.
- I grant the alternate captain the gift of stability. He can choose a team and a timeline, and it shall be done…unless it is Buffalo. I refuse to help the Sabres in any manner. Plus, I would like to think he would stay with Carolina.
- With a wave of my magical Cardiac Cane wand, all 6’4” and 223 pounds will be beamed Star Trek style to all games and practices. He can use all that saved travel time to enjoy his family and friends.
Happy Birthday Chris Durno! Cheers to a safe and successful season! Let’s Go Checkers!
Zac Dalpe (11/1) and Jay Harrison (11/3) are Scorpios rockin’ November birthdays. Remember, come see Jay Harrison at Canes Corner with 99.9FM The Fan on Wednesday, November 2nd at Backyard Bistro.
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*All information and statistics via nhl.com and ahl.com