History made in Washington tonight, Bears start their eightieth season
History will indeed be made Saturday night, when Nathan Walker makes his debut for the Washington Capitals, becoming the first Australian to play in the NHL. It will be Sunday morning in Australia, and Ceri, Nathan’s mother, said some restaurants there will be hosting watch parties for the game.
The Caps picked Walker in the third round of the 2014 draft, making Nathan the first Australian taken in the draft’s history. After four seasons in the AHL, he’s finally going to get the chance to debut with the big club. After sitting out the season opener in Ottawa as a healthy scratch, Walker will crack the lineup for Saturday night’s home game against the Canadians, likely as a fourth-line winger.
The Bears open the 2017-18 season this evening on the road against rival Lehigh Valley Phantoms. This year marks the 80th Anniversary Season for the Bears, who are the longest member club in the American Hockey League. Hershey is guided by fourth year head coach Troy Mann, who has led the Bears to a playoff series victory for three straight seasons. Tonight is the first of twelve meetings between the two in-state rivals.
Hershey Bears at Lehigh Valley Phantoms
October 7, 2017, 7:05 p.m.
PPL Center in Allentown, PA
REFEREES: Stephen Thomson (15), David Banfield (77)
LINESMEN: Matt McNulty (26), Luke Murray (92)
