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Washington Capitals: Nathan Walker Will Become NHL’s First Australian

By Trevor Thompson

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Noah Hanifin (5) pushed Washington Capitals left wing Nathan Walker (79) during the 2nd period of the Carolina Hurricanes game versus the Washington Capitals on September 29, 2017, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 29: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Noah Hanifin (5) pushed Washington Capitals left wing Nathan Walker (79) during the 2nd period of the Carolina Hurricanes game versus the Washington Capitals on September 29, 2017, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Washington Capitals forward Nathan Walker to become the first Australian to play in the NHL on Saturday when the Capitals play the Canadiens.

Washington Capitals forward Nathan Walker has always dreamed of playing in the NHL. That dream will become a reality on Saturday night when the Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens. Walker is set to make sporting history. He will be the first Austrailian to ever play in the NHL.

Walker was drafted with the 89th overall pick in the third round of the 2014 NHL entry draft. Before that, he played junior-level hockey in the Czech Republic and spent some time with Australia’s Sydney Ice Dogs. In the Czech Republic, Walker would appear in 213 games for the Vitkovice program.

Arriving In America

When Walker arrived in the United States, the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms is where he played. In 29 games with the Phantoms, he recorded 7 goals and 20 assists in the 2012-2013 season. Walker would then go on to play in the AHL for the Capitals’ affiliate Hershey Bears.

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Before being drafted in 2014, the 23-year-old registered 5 goals and 6 assists for the Bears in the 2013-2014 season. In the 2015-2016 season, he recorded a career-high 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 73 games. This would also help him earn Hershey’s man of the year award and most improved player.

The 5’9″ 186-pound winger doesn’t let his size determine his play. Last year head coach Barry Trotz knew he could be an effective player regardless of his size.

"“He’s a very good penalty killer, he’s competitive, size doesn’t matter to him, he’s strong as an ox, he’s quick,” Trotz said. “You think about it, he could’ve just finished junior and he’s already going into his third season pro. That’s pretty good. He’s going to be a really great story when he plays in the National Hockey League.”"

That is exactly what the Capitals like about Nathan Walker, he has a solid 200-foot game and is a strong skater. In the preseason he scored the teams’ first goal on an effective rush play.

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After being a healthy scratch in the Capitals’ season opener against the Ottawa Senators, he will break into the lineup on Saturday. Saturday will be a historic day for hockey. It’s outstanding to think how much the sport has grown globally. Walker has taken the road less traveled to make his NHL debut. And he’s a better player because of it.

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