ARLINGTON, Va. — Many athletes can tell a story of taking the road less traveled on their way to becoming a professional. Washington Capitals rookie Nathan Walker is forging an entirely new path to the NHL.

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Walker’s family moved to Australia when he was just 2 years old. He grew up in Sydney, picking up skates and a stick and choosing a far less popular sport in a country dominated by rugby and soccer. So how does an Australian end up on skates, while all his friends play other sports?

“I just fell in love with it,” says Walker after the first day of Capitals Training Camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Ballston. “The first time I was on the ice, I just said,