Nathan Walker Becomes First Australian to Play in AHL

October 6, 2013 6:00 pm

Photo: Kyle Mace

After the Hershey Bears’ season-opening loss to the Adirondack Phantoms on Saturday, the Bears auctioned off the retro 1949-50 jerseys they wore. For $1,150, somebody walked out of Giant Center with a piece of hockey history.

Bears forward Nathan Walker, who was quite impressive during Washington Capitals training camp, became the first Australian hockey player ever to suit up for the American Hockey League.

Another AHL, the Australian Ice Hockey League, where Walker played parts of two seasons with the Sydney Ice Dogs, tweeted out their congratulations after the game.

It's official. @NathanWalks10 has become the first Australian to play in @TheAHL, suiting up for @TheHersheyBears in their season opener.

— AIHL (@AIHL) October 6, 2013

Walker played on the Bears’ first line along with Dane Byers and Jeff Taffe. The left wing finished the night with three shots, 2 PIMs, and a minus-1.

Due to the Tomas Hyka Rule, Walker cannot be signed to an NHL contract and the Capitals do not own his rights. He will be eligible to be drafted for a third time next year. Walker signed an AHL contract with the Bears several weeks ago.