The NHL debut of Australian Nathan Walker was a g’day indeed! While hockey’s history books will likely see his first game overshadowed by the monster performance of his captain Alexander Ovechkin, who became the first player to open a season with back-to-back hat-tricks since it last happened in 1917, Walker did however manage to achieve something special – score on debut.
While it wasn’t the most glamorous way to notch up your first NHL goal, he still had his moment, and better yet his family witnessed it from the stands.
Nate’s big day started off with the Washington Capitals posting a video featuring numerous Australian athletes sharing their best wishes.
Although, why isn’t New Zealand laying claim to Aron Baynes? We could have two Kiwis in the NBA.
Nathan Walker’s debut was eventful to say the least!
He even nabbed the coveted Hockey Night In Canada towel! Some players take years to get interviewed by HNIC and have that towel wrapped around their neck, but Walker was a total natural chatting with Chris Simpson during the intermission.
Congratulations, mate! It might be a few more years before New Zealand hockey fans can celebrate a Kiwi playing in their NHL debut, but we’ll be tracking your progress with great interest. Here’s to what will hopefully be a long, successful career in the world’s biggest hockey league!
By the way, kudos to the Washington Capitals social media team on coming up with the #GdayNate hashtag. Genius.