Caps’ Walker set to become first Australian to play in NHL
ARLINGTON, Va. — Washington Capitals forward Nathan Walker will become the first Australian player to dress in an NHL game when he makes his debut Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens.
Walker grew up in Sydney after he and his family emigrated from the United Kingdom when he was 2. After his brother Ryan was exposed to the sport, it became clear Nathan had pro potential and he moved to the Czech Republic at age 13 to play minor and then junior hockey.
“It definitely made me a little bit more independent earlier on,” Walker said. “I think it just made me mature quicker.”
On the ice, Walker said practicing twice a day with HC Vitkovice’s under-18 and under-20 teams helped his game mature.