A rough and tumble bit of business, Carkner has managed to stay in the NHL for more than a decade though defensive ability and toughness. In 1996-97 he went the entire season without scoring a goal, but eight times has he had more than 100 penalty minutes in a year.
He was drafted a lofty 14th overall by the Rangers in 1984, and after three years with Peterborough in junior he played 1986-87 on Broadway. That turned out to be his only season there, for he was traded to Quebec in September 1987. In Quebec, though, the pattern repeated itself, and a year later he was sent to Philadelphia where he stayed for five years.
As a member of the Flyers, Carkner established himself as one of the fearless and toughest players on a team loaded with size. His career year offensively came in 1988-89 when he scored eleven goals and helped the team reach the semi-finals. In 1993, he was traded again, to Detroit for Yves Racine and a 4th-round draft choice, and after two years with the Winged Wheel he was given his outright release.
Free to do as he wished, Carkner signed with Florida where he played the final four years of his career, helping the miracle Panthers reach the 1996 Stanley Cup finals before losing to Colorado.
Carkner has played for Canada at both the World Juniors (a silver medal in 1986) and World Championships (fourth place in 1993). He retired in 1999.
