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Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister of Australia, calls to congratulate Nathan Walker after first NHL game

By Ian Oland

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October 8, 2017 8:37 pm

Saturday night, Nathan Walker made history becoming the first Australian to ever play in the NHL.

The very next night, Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister of Australia, gave Walker a call to congratulate him on his accomplishment. The call turned into a three minute interview.

The best part was when Turnbull asked Walker about his first career goal.

“Yeah,” Walker said. “I used my butt to get it in.”

Check out the full interview below.

Video

Malcolm Turnbull: “Hello, is this Nathan?”

Nathan Walker: “Yes, it is.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “Hey, Nathan. It’s Malcolm Turnbull. Congratulations!”

[Nathan begins freaking out]

Nathan Walker: “Thank you very much, Prime Minister.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “So you’re the first Australian to play in the National Hockey League. How does it feel?”

Nathan Walker: “Yeah, it was incredible. It was a really exciting experience, especially to skate out there with all the guys. It was really special.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “Yeah, and score a goal.”

Nathan Walker: “Yeah. I used my butt to get it in.”

[Laughs]

Malcolm Turnbull: “Fair enough. Well that’s fantastic. Hey, Nathan, tell me this. What do you say, when people say to you, ‘How does an Aussie, coming from a country best known for beaches and sunshine become a champion ice hockey player?'”

Nathan Walker: “Well, I left home at an early age to pursue the dream of playing in the NHL. I think it’s kind of tough back home to get all the ice time as you would if you’re playing in North America or Europe. But I think just the will to work – I was so driven and I just wanted to tick the goal off my goals list to play in the NHL someday.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “You went to the Czech Republic didn’t you and played there and trained there for along time.”

Nathan Walker: “I went there when I was 13. I played there I think for five-and-a-half years and then I made the transition over to the North American game.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “You were a great rugby league player as well I understand as well. So you gave up a promising career with the Sharks to hit the ice.”

Nathan Walker: “Yeah. I had to pretty much make a decision. They kind of wanted an answer whether I was 100% in for rugby or if I take the hockey route. I think I had a little bit more love for hockey at the time then.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “It must be the fastest game. What speed do you reach when you’re skating in a game of ice hockey?”

Nathan Walker: “I’m not too sure. I imagine you could probably get up to 50 kilometers (31 MPH) maybe if you’re going full tilt. But I’m not 100% sure on that one.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “Well fantastic, Nathan. Well look it is congratulations. It show that Aussies can do anything – even when it’s a long way away from sunshine and beaches. Have you caught up with our ambassador in Washington.”

Nathan Walker: “Yes, I did see him last week. We had a good chat.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “His name is Joe Hockey. So it’s perfect.”

Nathan Walker: “It suits the situation for sure. That’s it.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “Okay, mate. Well listen. Congratulations. All the best on the ice in the NHL.”

Nathan Walker: “Thank you very much. Thank you for taking the time to make the call. Thank you very much.”

Malcolm Turnbull: “Great to talk to you. Cheers.

Nathan Walker: “Cheers. Bye bye.”

[Nathan geeks out at the conclusion of the call.]

Read more about Nathan Walker’s first NHL game.

Headline photo via @Capitals video

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