When Sioux Valley Dakota Nation member Zach Whitecloud scored the go-ahead goal for the Vegas Golden Knights in game one of the Stanley Cup finals last Saturday, the cheers from western Manitoba could likely be heard in Nevada.
The former Virden Oil Capitals junior player’s goal put his team up 3-2 in the third period on the way to a 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. On Monday night, Whitecloud recorded an assist as the Golden Knights won 7-2 to take a 2-0 lead in the National Hockey League finals.
“Just really impressed with the way he’s playing right now,” said Virden’s Troy Leslie, who was the head coach of the Oil Caps when Whitecloud suited up for the team in 2014-2016. “He just plays his role so well and is so dependable. I’m glad to see him starting to have some success offensively too. He’s put up a couple points in the finals here. The bigger the occasion, the better he seems to play, which is very impressive.”
Whitecloud grew up in Brandon and is the son of Tim Whitecloud and Donna Cullen. In regard to competing for hockey’s ultimate prize, Whitecloud’s father said, “I do believe Zach is very excited, but he does not show it. He has learned to not get too high or too low with his emotions. But he is emotional on the ice.” Zach Whitecloud knows that many people are cheering him on.
“The support from back home means a lot to Zach,” his dad said. “He is aware of the tremendous support and the enormous meaning of playing in the Stanley Cup final.”
Tim Whitecloud noted that some Sioux Valley elders have told him that they did not follow hockey before a community member made it to the NHL and are now staying up late to watch Whitecloud play. The Sioux Valley Dakota Nation held a viewing party for game one of the finals at the Veterans Hall and planned to hold others as well.
“We are immensely proud of Zach’s accomplishments and the positive representation he brings to our community,” read a statement from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, released before the finals started. “Zach Whitecloud’s dedication, skill, and perseverance have been evident throughout his hockey career, and we are thrilled to witness his success on the professional stage. As a member of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Zach is an inspiration to our young people and a shining example of what can be done if you work hard, are determined, and love what you do.”
Former Oil Caps captain Brett Sharples has followed his former teammate’s career. He said that when they were both playing in Virden, he enjoyed Whitecloud’s work ethic.
“He drove me to work hard and always be the best version of myself on and off the ice,” Sharples said.
Whitecloud has impressed off the ice as well as on. He has returned to the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation in the offseason to participate in such events as its annual powwow. After his impressive game one of the Stanley Cup finals, Whitecloud was videoed handing out sticks and pucks to some young people. Logan Reever of Las Vegas’ KLAS-TV station reported that the two young Golden Knights fans lost their father in late March and that Whitecloud invited them to the game and gave them a locker-room tour. These kinds of actions likely do not surprise Karen Forster. Whitecloud billeted with her and her husband Jack in Virden.
“As a person, Zach is humble, grateful and kind,” she said. “For example, when I message him to say he played a great game or ‘that was a beautiful goal’ he will quickly turn the conversation to ask about us and wonders what we have been doing, how our family is and what's happening in Virden. As happy as I am for his success, I am even more proud that he is a great person.”
