ASU’s Johnny Walker dubbed ‘best player in the world of the week’

Arizona State sophomore forward Johnny Walker is getting national recognition for his red-hot start to the season.

ESPN staff writer Greg Wyshynski discussed Walker’s four-goal outing in the Sun Devils’ 7-2 victory over Nebraska Omaha on Saturday evening. In his piece, Wyshynski dubbed Walker the “best player in the world of the week.”

The 6-foot-1 Phoenix-native led ASU in shots with 15 attempts through three periods, nearly tripling the second leading shot-taker in junior Brinson Pasichnuk. Over the course of the night, Pasichnuk took six shots but failed to connect on what would’ve been his fourth goal of the season.

It’s become evident that Walker is the go-to guy for Arizona State. Besides leading the NCAA in total goals, Walker leads all of college hockey in shorthanded goals, power play goals and shots. Furthermore, Walker is tied with Bowling Green’s Max Johnson in total points with 13.

 “The Sun Devils sophomore Ovi-spotted his way to a four-goal game, all on the power play, in ASU’s 7-2 win. It was his first career hat trick. He added an assist in a win over Nebraska-Omaha on Friday night, as the Sun Devils have the longest winning streak in program history at four games. […]

We might be burying the lede here: Through eight games, Walker has eight goals, good enough to lead the nation in goals. Arizona State player, Phoenix native, and leading the nation in scoring. If only there was an appropriately named beverage to raise in his honor …”

Walker’s performance was the catalyst in the crushing victory, but the support of his teammates bolstered the final score. Arizona State’s Dylan Hollman, PJ Marrocco and Dominic Garcia each contributed goals for head coach Greg Powers.

Another notable player mentioned by Wyshynski is wing Conor Garland of the Tucson Roadrunners, who recorded two goals and three assists in an 8-5 victory over the Ontario Reign.

Garland was named AHL Player of the Week.

Roadrunners forward Conor Garland has been named the @CCMHockey/@TheAHL Player of the Week!

Official 📝: https://t.co/YIogd4PJEz pic.twitter.com/3Ks8UgxpFm

— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) October 29, 2018

ASU will face No. 6 Penn State in University Park on Friday afternoon. This will provide Walker with the opportunity to prove himself to a larger national audience.