Nathan Walker is hopeful his historic Stanley Cup victory with the Washington Capitals will inspire more Australians to play ice hockey and lift the NHL's profile back home.
Having become the first Australian to play in the NHL earlier this year, Walker went one better as the Capitals wrapped up a 4-1 series victory in the game five on Friday (AEST).
The 24-year-old didn't play as Washington claimed the giant trophy for the first time in their 44-year history, coming from behind to beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3.
In fact, he didn't play a single second of the series - but it didn't matter.
"These guys are incredible, they make you feel a part of everything," Walker told AAP.
"It's incredible. When you're a kid, this is all you dream about. There's no words for it.
"Hopefully it can inspire more people to play hockey back home and get the sport a little more attention that I think it needs back home and get more coverage that way."
Originally from Sydney's Sutherland Shire, Walker blazed a weird and wonderful trail to get where he is.
He fell in love with ice hockey after watching his older brother Ryan play and their parents, Wayne and Ceri, often fought peak-hour traffic in two-hour trips to take them to the nearest rink in Blacktown.
Walker soon realised playing in Australia could only take him so far.
At just 13, he asked his parents to let him move to the Czech Republic, of all places, to let him follow his passion.
"They thought I was crazy," he said.
"It took months of begging my parents to let me go. They finally gave in."
Walker couldn't speak a word of the local language but was billeted out to a local family and somehow managed.
He climbed his way up the Czech ranks, attracted attention from Canadian and American scouts, moved to Ohio in 2013 to play minor league hockey and, a year later, was drafted by the Capitals.
He played nine games this season and starred in his one post-season appearance against Pittsburgh, assisting a goal in a 2-1 overtime win.
Walker's teammates are glad to have him.
"It just goes to show that good things happen to good people," Washington goalkeeper Braeden Holtby said.
"He's an absolutely amazing teammate, amazing guy, works harder than anyone.
"I'm so proud of him seeing him with the Stanley Cup."
