Zach Whitecloud facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zach Whitecloud
Whitecloud in 2018
Born	(1996-11-28) November 28, 1996 (age 28) Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight	209 lb (95 kg; 14 st 13 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Right
NHL team	Vegas Golden Knights
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	Undrafted
Playing career	2018–present

Zach Whitecloud was born on November 28, 1996. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Zach plays as a defenceman for the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was not chosen in the NHL draft. Instead, he signed with the Golden Knights in 2018 after playing college hockey.

Zach's Early Life

Zach Whitecloud grew up in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. His family is from the Dakota community. He spent time in both Brandon and the nearby Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. He thinks of both places as home.

Zach started skating when he was only two years old! As a kid, he played hockey for the Sioux Valley team. Later, he played for the Brandon Youth Hockey Association. His family even hosted other young hockey players in their home. This is called being a billet family. Zach finished high school in 2015.

Playing Hockey

Zach played for the Virden Oil Capitals before college. He then decided to play hockey for Bemidji State University. In his first year there, he was the top-scoring defenceman. After his second year, he was named a "Scholar-Athlete." This means he was good at hockey and also did well in his studies. He blocked 51 shots that season, which was the most on his team.

Joining the Vegas Golden Knights

Whitecloud with the Golden Knights in 2024.

On March 8, 2018, Zach signed a three-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. He played his first NHL game on April 5, 2018. It was against the Edmonton Oilers. He played very well in that game.

After that, Zach spent some time playing for the Chicago Wolves. This team is linked to the Golden Knights. It helps players get ready for the NHL.

During the 2019–20 season, Zach became a key player for the Golden Knights. He and his teammate, Nick Holden, were a strong defensive pair. In March 2020, he signed a new two-year contract.

On October 28, 2021, Zach signed an even bigger contract. It was for six years and $16.5 million. This showed how much the team believed in him.

In the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Zach's team played against the Winnipeg Jets. Many of his family members were fans of the Jets. The Golden Knights made it all the way to the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals. Zach was one of two Indigenous players in the final series. His team, the Golden Knights, won the Stanley Cup! It was Zach's first time winning the famous trophy.

Playing for Canada

Zach has also played for Team Canada.

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Championship
Silver	2022 Finland

In 2017, he was the youngest player chosen for Team Canada at the 2017 Karjala Cup. He was also considered for the 2018 Winter Olympics team.

Awards and Honours

Zach has earned some special awards for his hockey skills.