Nathan Walker’s NHL debut is bringing all the Aussies to the yard.
The Australian ambassador to the United States, Joe Hockey, will be attending Walker’s historic first game at Capital One Arena.
Before I go any further… That is not a mistake. His last name is really Hockey. You can’t make this stuff up.
Video
Australians from around the sporting world send their praises to @NathanWalks10 on making his @nhl debut tonight! #GdayNate 🇦🇺 #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/ZlLKBHZzMU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 7, 2017
“Nathan, tonight, there are two countries cheering for you,” Hockey said. “Your homeland of Australia. You are our first. Congratulations, mate! We have never had anyone in the NHL. The fact that you’re doing it for a great team like the Caps, cheers us all on. Have a great night.”
This video says everything about Aussie #mateship. So many 🇦🇺 sports stars in the US backing @NathanWalks10 for success. Proud of you mate https://t.co/xejKsSUVDe
— Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) October 7, 2017
According to Wikipedia, Hockey is a former Australian politician (he was a Member of Parliament for North Sydney from 1996 until 2015). He served as the Treasurer of Australia in the Abbott Government from September 2013 to September 2015 until he was forced to re-sign by incoming Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull. Turnbull, in turn, named Hockey the country’s ambassador to the United States three months later.
Other notable Australians to congratulate Walker include the Broncos’ Adam Gotsis, the Celtics’ Aron Baynes, the Bucks’ Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker, the Lakers’ Andrew Bogut, former Redskins punter Sav Rocca, former NFL punter Ben Graham, former MLB pitcher Grant Balfour, and PGA golfers Jason Day and Adam Scott.
