Nathan Walker is a giving person.
The miniature-sized 2018 Stanley Cup champion went viral after delivering a big hit to Ryan Reaves and sending the giant enforcer to his backside on Tuesday. The big bodycheck came after Reaves said Morgan Rielly’s cross-check to the face of Ridly Greig was appropriate.
“Make hockey violent again,” Reaves said. It was advice Walker heeded.
The Aussie forward, a longtime member of the Hershey Bears, also has a softer side — many of which we’ve all witnessed. And on this special holiday, the St. Louis Blues gave Walker a special task.
“Hey, guys,” Walker said in a video posted by the Blues. “Happy Valentine’s Day. I’m going to give out some Valentine’s Day cards out to my teammates.”
He was the perfect guy for the job. Walker gave out 8 valentines, all full of bad puns, and got yeses to all of them. He also received eight hugs and two offers for kisses.
The following is the transcript of the video.
Kevin Hayes
Nathan Walker: Let’s stick together. Hayesie, let’s stick together. Will you be my Valentine?
Kevin Hayes: Yeahhh!!! Let’s stick together, baby.
Nathan Walker: That’s so nice.
They share a long hug.
Nathan Walker: Always stick together.
Kevin Hayes: From one Aussie to another.
Nathan Walker: You’ve got to put that in your hockey bag.
Kevin Hayes: My hockey bag. No other bag? Hockey bag? So I’ll have this for every game?
Nathan Walker: For every game.
Laughs
Brayden Schenn
Nathan Walker: I’ve got my eyes on Big 10 right now. Can I be the captain of your heart? 100 percent. 100 percent he can.
Brayden Schenn: What IS this?
Nathan Walker: Will you be my Valentine?
Brayden Schenn: Uhhhhhh? Absolutely, Walks. I’d love to be your Valentine. Thank you, buddy.
Hugs
Brayden Schenn: Happy Valentine’s Day.
Nathan Walker: Happy Valentine’s Day.
Jordan Binnington
Nathan Walker: Mister Steal Your Pucks. Jordan…
Jordan Binnington: What do you got?
Nathan Walker: Will you be Valentine please?
Jordan Binnington: What does it come with?
Nathan Walker: Whatever you want.
awkward laughing off screen including an audible “WHOAAAA”
Jordan Binnington: I’m in.
Nathan Walker: Yes!! Come on, bring it in.
They hug.
Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas: I know what photo it is. I KNEW IT.
The Blues made a Valentine out of Thomas’s All-Star Game posed photo where it’s like a senior photo.
Nathan Walker: It’s beautiful. It’s beautiful. Be my Valentine?
Hugs
Jake Neighbours
Nathan Walker: You are my hole in one. Jake-y boy, Will you be my Valentine?
Jake Neighbours: Yeah, if I can have a kiss.
Walker puts the Valentine up to block the camera. They then hug.
Jordan Kyrou
Nathan Walker: You are the music in me. … Will you be my Valentine please?
Jordan Kyrou: Haven’t you already asked like 8 guys?
Nathan Walker: Well I’ve got a lot of love to give.
Jordan Kyrou: [reads Valentine] HA HA. Yeah of course, buddy.
They hug.
Pavel Buchnevich
Nathan Walker: Sorry to interrupt. Will you be my Valentine please?
Pavel Buchnevich: Of course my friend.
They hug.
Nathan Walker: I’m a lucky guy. Everybody said yes to me. That’s huge
Buchnevich makes smooching face.
Colton Parayko
Nathan Walker: Will you be my Valentine please?
They hug.
Nathan Walker: Thanks, big boy.
Parayko picks up Walker and runs down the hallway with him in his arms.
Since being called up from the AHL on New Years’ Day, Walker has played 16 games for the Blues this season, tallying four goals and two assists. The 30-year-old forward was having his greatest season in the minor leagues to date, posting 29 points (13g, 16a) in 30 games.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Walks!
