The big guys skated into action Saturday night at Allphones Arena, Olympic Park for the 2014 USA vs Canada International Ice Hockey series.
USA captained by Zenon Konopka (NHL Minnesota Wild), defeated Canada, lead by Kyle Quincey (NHL Detriot Redwings), 5 to 4.
Leader photographer Chris Lane was there to capture the action.
International ice hockey series packs them in for showbiz sport
By Will Brodie
Most Australian (ice) hockey lovers have something of the evangelist about them. They are convinced that if their fellow citizens are exposed to the pace, excitement and skill of the game live, they will be converted. They want that for their fellow Australians.
Nathan Walker, of Sutherland Shire Sydney, is one of them.
Speaking of the Canada v USA International ice hockey exhibition series, finishing its Australian tour in Melbourne and Sydney this Friday and Saturday, he says “It’s going to be massive”.
“I mean, you get 20,000 people who have never seen a live hockey game in their life...
“You’re getting an extra 20,000 people walking away with an ice hockey game under their belt.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of talk around each of the major cities that the games have been played in and hopefully it can boost hockey and get a lot more kids getting involved in hockey.”
What difference does it make that it is Walker saying these words, rather than any other hockey nut in Australia?
To put in perspective the magnitude of this achievement: basketballer Dante Exum, rightly feted for being picked up in America’s NBA, is one of upwards of 200,000 Australians playing hoops in this nation. There are less than 3000 men, women and children playing hockey in Australia, and barely enough rinks to cater for them.
“It’s a small community but they’re very passionate about hockey ... hopefully myself getting drafted can boost that community into getting much bigger,” says Walker.
Walker was slated to make an appearance in the international series, which features high-class professional talent, including a handful of NHL stars, but the reality of being on the cusp of a career at the pinnacle brings a price.
“I was talking to my manager and it’s probably not the best thing for me at this present time. I’m currently undergoing contract negotiations with Washington so I’m trying to keep my mind focused on that and just get through that process.”
See more and an interactive beginners guide to ice hockey: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/international-ice-hockey-series-packs-them-in-for-showbiz-sport-20140725-zwe0p.html
