Nathan Walker is a Welsh-born Australian professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). Walker, who was born in Wales, grew up in Australia and first played ice hockey there. He moved to the Czech Republic in 2007 in order to further his career, and joined the junior program of HC Vítkovice, a member of the Czech Extraliga. He first played for the senior team in 2011, becoming the first Australian ice hockey player to play for a professional senior team in Europe. Along with HC Vítkovice, Walker was loaned to several lower-level Czech teams.
Walker with the Hershey Bears in 2016
The 2014 NHL Entry Draft was the 52nd NHL Entry Draft. The draft was held on June 27–28, 2014, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The top three selections were Aaron Ekblad, Sam Reinhart and Leon Draisaitl, going to the Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers, respectively. This draft featured the first selection of a player from Oceania with Australian Nathan Walker, being selected by the Washington Capitals in the third-round.
Aaron Ekblad was selected first overall by the Florida Panthers
Sam Reinhart was selected second overall by the Buffalo Sabres.
Leon Draisaitl selected third overall by the Edmonton Oilers.
Nikolaj Ehlers was selected ninth overall by the Winnipeg Jets.