Nats' Harper wants future child to play hockey because of Golden Knights

Bryce Harper was nervous on Wednesday, and it had nothing to do with the Washington Nationals or the sport of baseball.

A native of Las Vegas, his hometown Vegas Golden Knights have stormed to a 2-1 series lead against the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL's Western Conference Final during their inaugural season. And Harper's been on pins and needles.

"I get more nervous watching them than anything I've ever done in my life," Harper told Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports prior to the Golden Knights' Game 3 victory. "Even playing ball. I don't get nervous watching my team or when I play at all. I really don't.

"But when I’m watching them, I get so nervous. I’ll sit on the couch with my wife, going nuts."

It's inspired a new fandom, and perhaps an avenue for his future children to pursue.

"I've fallen in love with hockey," Harper says. "When we have kids, I want them to play hockey. How awesome would that be? I can't imagine being on the ice and playing such a cool sport."

It's possible his newly beloved Golden Knights wind up squaring off against his adopted hometown Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Final, and it's something he's already thinking about.