Walker gets fresh break with Oilers

GROUND-BREAKING Australian ice hockey player Nathan Walker has signed with the Edmonton Oilers after he was waived by the Washington Capitals.

Walker rose to prominence in October when he became the first Australian to play an NHL game.

But since scoring in his landmark debut the Cronullaraised product has struggled for game time with the Capitals, featuring in seven matches.

The Canadian-based Oilers have had a rocky start to their season, sitting second last in the Pacific Division with 10 wins and 14 losses.

Oilers coach Todd McLellan said he had not seen a lot of Walker play but had relied on the word of his scouting team before picking up the forward.