Australian Ice Hockey Players In Nhl
Ice hockey is not typically associated with Australia. The country is known for its love of cricket and rugby, but ice hockey has been gaining popularity in recent years. Despite a lack of ice rinks and frozen ponds, Australia has produced several talented ice hockey players who have made their mark in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Nathan Walker: The First Australian to Play in the NHL
Nathan Walker is a name that comes to mind when talking about Australian ice hockey players. He was the first Australian to play in the NHL, making his debut with the Washington Capitals in 2017. Walker grew up playing ice hockey in Sydney and moved to the Czech Republic at age 13 to pursue his passion for the sport. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was drafted by the Capitals in 2014.
Walker played in three NHL seasons, recording one goal and five assists in 33 games. He may not have been a dominant force in the league, but his achievement as the first Australian to play in the NHL is noteworthy. His success has inspired young Australian players to believe that they can make it to the top level of ice hockey.
Liam Reddox: From the Land Down Under to the NHL
Liam Reddox is another Australian who has made it to the NHL. Born in Canada to an Australian mother, Reddox holds dual citizenship and chose to represent Australia in international competition. He played junior hockey for the Peterborough Petes and was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2004.
Reddox made his NHL debut with the Oilers in 2008 and played in 100 NHL games over the course of his career, recording eight goals and 18 assists. He also played professionally in Finland and Switzerland before retiring in 2019. Reddox's career may not have been as illustrious as some of his peers, but he still paved the way for other Australian players to follow in his footsteps.
Mathew Dumba: A Rising Star in the NHL
Mathew Dumba is not a household name in Australia, but he is one of the most talented Australian ice hockey players in the world. Dumba was born in Calgary, Canada, but his father is from the Marshall Islands and his mother is from Australia. He chose to represent Australia internationally and has played for the Australian national team at several tournaments.
Dumba was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2012 and has been a mainstay on their roster ever since. He is known for his offensive prowess and his physical play, making him a valuable asset on the ice. Dumba has already played in over 400 NHL games, recording 60 goals and 94 assists. He is still only 27 years old and has a bright future ahead of him in the league.
A Future for Australian Ice Hockey Players in the NHL
Australian ice hockey players may be a rare sight in the NHL, but their presence is growing. The Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) has been instrumental in developing young talent in the country, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and gain exposure to professional leagues.
The AIHL has also been working to expand the sport's popularity in Australia. There are currently around 40 ice rinks in the country, and the AIHL hopes to increase that number in the coming years. The organization also hopes to attract more international talent to the league, further raising the level of competition and providing more opportunities for Australian players.
With players like Nathan Walker, Liam Reddox, and Mathew Dumba leading the way, the future looks bright for Australian ice hockey players in the NHL. Their success has inspired a new generation of players to pursue their dreams and represent their country on the world stage.
Conclusion
Australian ice hockey players may not be as numerous as those from more traditional hockey countries, but their impact on the sport has been significant. Nathan Walker, Liam Reddox, and Mathew Dumba have shown that it is possible for Australians to compete at the highest level of ice hockey. Their achievements have paved the way for a new generation of players, and the future looks bright for the sport in Australia. With the continued growth of the Australian Ice Hockey League and the expansion of ice rinks throughout the country, we may see more Australian ice hockey players making their mark in the NHL in the coming years.