Nathan Walker Scores in Hershey Preseason Game After Injury

HERSHEY, PA – Nathan Walker skates past the goal during warm-ups of Hershey’s preseason game Thursday night at Giant Center. (Kyle Mace / Chocolate Hockey)

Eight months ago, Nathan Walker’s season ended early after an ACL tear in the ECHL. After months of rehab, the Australian forward returned to Giant Center, scoring in the Bears preseason loss to Albany. “I thought Walker had a strong game,” said Bears head coach Troy Mann. “He was good on the penalty kill. He’s that type of kid that’s really got to get his confidence back.”

“It was good,” Walker said after the game. “Definitely a step up from the rookie tournament in Florida. It was a good test, trying to get the rusty bits from summer off.” In only 28 games for Hershey last season, Walker scored one goal for the Chocolate and White. “Unfortunately we didn’t get the win. It’s always good to be back, playing in the Giant Center again.”

“Last year it took him 25 games to get his first goal,” said Mann, “so maybe that helps him out moving forward. We’ve had a lot of chats with him over the last three weeks in terms of what his role is and what he needs to make the NHL level and the Hershey Bears; scoring goals is not something we are looking for him to do. If he gets a few odd goals, that is a bonus for us.”

This is the 21-year-old first games at this high of a level since February, but for him, there is really no thoughts of the injury anymore. “The doctor said I’m good to go. Once I heard those words from the doc, I figured he said it’s all good, then I must be good to go. I tried to get (the mental part) out. It’s in the back of my head that 7-8 months ago I had surgery.”