[News] Nathan Walker to become first Australian to play in the NHL

[sureLoss]

https://apnews.com/e9a036362b074bb59...to-play-in-NHL

Washington Capitals forward Nathan Walker is set to 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.

The Capitals made Walker the first Australian selected in the NHL draft when they took him in the third round in 2014. After a few seasons in the minors, the 23-year-old developed into a strong penalty killer and earned a spot on Washington’s season-opening roster.

[Playfair]

Crikey!

[Monahan For Mayor]

I believe there is a teenage Australian player that is raising a lot of eyebrows currently too, and looks to have some incredible talent.

[dash_pinched]

I hope this Aussie knows how to behave in America...

[ricosuave]

Hope he doesn't have any hard luck!

[blankall]

I hope he doesn't steal anything.

[Locke]

Theres tons of Austrians in the NHL!

[cznTiburon]

Allegedly there is a petition going around to have the Australian national anthem played before the game to recognize the significance. Could be a cool thing for 1 game.

[DynamRyan]

Originally Posted by cznTiburon

Allegedly there is a petition going around to have the Australian national anthem played before the game to recognize the significance. Could be a cool thing for 1 game.

Would be bizarrely hilarious to hear the bombastic strains of "Advance, Australia Fair" waft through the arena in Washington, but pretty damn cool at the same time.


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[getbak]

Originally Posted by cznTiburon

Allegedly there is a petition going around to have the Australian national anthem played before the game to recognize the significance. Could be a cool thing for 1 game.

[FireGilbert]

I came to post this but of course was well beaten by sureLoss.

Cricky Dingo Wallaby! Conrgrats Nathan! Hopefully this creates more interest and news coverage for "ice hockey" down under.

Still only the 2nd most famous Aussie on skates though:

[FireGilbert]

Originally Posted by getbak

That's not the national anthem! This is:



I would be so happy if they played Waltzing Matilda on the organ.

[getbak]

He'll be the first player in NHL history to get an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty for calling one of his teammates the "C" word.

[Bonecrushing Hits]

We must be careful, the Australians ruin things.

Exhibit A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlSsffF2xhA

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by getbak

He'll be the first player in NHL history to get an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty for calling one of his teammates the "C" word.

Crocodile?

[DynamRyan]

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

That's not the national anthem! This is:



I would be so happy if they played Waltzing Matilda on the organ.

Nope, THIS is the National Anthem of Australia:

https://youtu.be/oyrUEm9D0TY

Although, Waltzing Matilda is pretty cool.


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[codynw]

Originally Posted by Locke

Theres tons of Austrians in the NHL!

[Bowvechkin]

As an Australian, I don't even care for all the terrible stereotypes posted in this thread. I am so unbelievably happy we have an Australian playing in the NHL!

[icarus]

Originally Posted by FireGilbert

That's not the national anthem! This is:



I would be so happy if they played Waltzing Matilda on the organ.

Awesome, I used to live with Slim Dusty's granddaughter in Sydney.

This is great news, my wife is Australian and I've long wondered if we end up settling back there with kids whether I could raise an NHLer. Now I know the answer is yes, if I send him packing to Czechia at age 13.

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[Party Elephant]

Originally Posted by DynamRyan

Nope, THIS is the National Anthem of Australia:

https://youtu.be/oyrUEm9D0TY

Although, Waltzing Matilda is pretty cool.


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Woosh