Brandon’s Zach Whitecloud of the Bemidji State Beavers has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. “There is going to be a huge learning curve and I’m going to have to adjust to the speed and the speed of the passes. There is always an adjustment period. It was good to get on the ice with these guys and rip the puck around. I’m really excited to get to Vegas and check everything out.”
Profiled in last month’s “Prairie Life”, the 6’2”, 209 pound defenseman was a sought after free agent after completing two stellar season with the Beavers. “Zach is a very well rounded player, highly sought after by a lot of clubs,” said Golden Knights General Manager George McPhee. “We are delighted to acquire him, he’s our first college signing and he should be a great fit with the Golden Knights.”
While joining the club earlier this month, Whitecloud, 21, has skated with the team and started to learn from other professional players what it meant to be at the professional level. While Whitecloud never suited up with the WHL Wheat Kings, the Vegas team has developed a connection to the organization in many ways including Ryan Craig (Assistant Coach), Kelly McCrimmon (Assistant GM), Bobby Lowes (Pro Scout) and players Ryan Reaves & Reid Duke. His own connection would be the years his family would billet players, and the continued relationship with McCrimmon.
