It’s always amazing to see shorter guys making it in the NHL. Hockey has always been a physical sport, but players under 6’0” can succeed and even hold their own in fights. Nathan Walker proved that on Thursday in a spirited scrap with 6’2” Brayden Pachal.
Roy Worters is the shortest NHL player in history. Nicknamed “Shrimp,” Worters played 13 NHL seasons for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Americans, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Standing at just 5’3” and weighing 135 pounds, he was the first goalie to record back-to-back shutouts in the NHL. His impressive career included a Hart Trophy and a Vezina Trophy in the 1930s.
Hockey is a physical game, and it’s not easy for shorter players to break through. In today’s NHL, the Washington Capitals’ Matthew Phillips is believed to be the shortest player, at 5’7” and 140 pounds.
Nathan Walker’s awesome fight
Nathan Walker of the St. Louis Blues, standing at 5’8”, isn’t afraid to throw punches against much taller and heavier opponents. On Thursday, he dropped the gloves with 6’2”, 205-pound Calgary Flames defenseman Brayden Pachal.
Despite the height and weight difference, Walker held his own for most of the fight. He did an excellent job using both hands to keep Pachal at a safe distance while landing some hard right jabs. Fans were thrilled to see a smaller player refusing to back down, showcasing the fighting spirit that makes the NHL so special. We love to see it!
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