The National Hockey League (NHL) announced earlier today that Australian and St Louis Blues’ forward Nathan Walker was a nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
According to the NHL website, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to “the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey”. Nominees are selected from each of the 32 NHL teams by respective local chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA).
The St Louis Blues’ chapter of the PHWA selected Nathan Walker. Three finalists from the 32 nominations will be announced during the NHL playoffs, with the winner announced at the post-season NHL awards ceremony in late June.
After spending last season with the Blues, Walker started the season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Springfield Thunderbirds. This was surprising as it seemed after years of bouncing between the NHL and AHL that Walker had finally secured a permanent spot in the NHL.
Instead of sulking at having to prove himself again, Walker lit up the AHL, posting 29 points in 30 games to start the season. In early January, Walker was recalled to the NHL and immediately impressed, earning a two-year contract extension.
The 30-year-old energy forward has enjoyed some viral moments since being recalled, including a massive hit on Ryan Reaves, and a brouhaha with Flames’ defenseman Joel Hanley.
Walker has undoubtedly been our greatest export in men’s hockey, becoming the first Australian drafted into the NHL, the first Australia to score in the NHL, and the first Australian to win the Stanley Cup. He should be a household name in this country, perhaps this nomination will generate the media attention he deserves from Australian mainstream media.
Click here for the full list of nominees.
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