A big topic during Washington Capitals’ training camp this fall, Australian native forward Nathan Walker made history Sunday night in the Hershey Bears 4-2 win over the Norfolk Admirals, becoming the first Aussie to score a goal in the American Hockey League. He scored 1:35 into the game, giving the Bears a one goal lead early into the contest. He also recorded his first pro fight and was an assist shy of the patented Gordie Howe hat trick. He spoke to The Hockey Writers following the game.
GOAL!! Nathan Walker gets his first AHL goal! 1-0 Bears.
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) October 27, 2013
Q: On returning to the lineup
Walker: “I didn’t have the best first two games so I really wanted to come back her and make a point that I belong in the lineup.”
Q: On the speed he brings to the team
Walker: “I’m not saying I am the quickest guy on the ice, but I try to keep my feet moving all the time. I feel like that helps out other guys as well.”
Q: Sense of accomplishment becoming first Australian born player to score in the AHL
Walker: “Not really. I just take it as another player playing the game and another guy that scored a goal.”
Q: What did the first home win do for the team physiologically?
Walker: “We’ve played rough the past few games, but we stuck with it. We worked hard and we got the win.”
Q: On Hershey Captain Dane Byers occupying Norfolk defenseman Nolan Yonkman on his goal
Walker: “I think he probably should have gotten the goal for that, I’ll give him the credit. He had a big part on that. I just tried to use defense as a screen and try to go a little high.”
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