A Manitoba First Nation came together on Tuesday night to watch one of their own win the Stanley Cup.
Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud is part of the winning team that beat the Florida Panthers 9-3 to capture the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup.
Whitecloud’s home community of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation watched on with pride as he helped bring his team to victory.
Sioux Valley Dakota Nation Chief Jennifer Bone says about 200 people turned out for the viewing party to cheer on Whitecloud as he clinched the Stanley Cup in Game 5.
“There was a lot of excitement there at our community hall, and the reaction from the community members was just overall community support and happiness and a very proud moment for our community.”
Bone believes Whitecloud’s presence on the national hockey stage is a chance to educate on the importance reconciliation. She pointed to an incident involving ESPN anchor John Anderson, who compared Whitecloud’s last name to toilet paper during the broadcast of a playoff game against the Edmonton Oilers last month. Anderson later apologized.
“(Whitecloud) handled it very well with grace and dignity, with how he spoke and responded to that reporter. He just did such a good job in handling that situation.”
She believes Whitecloud will inspire countless Indigenous youth, as well. She said many kids turned up to the viewing party decked out in Whitecloud jerseys and Golden Knights gear.
“He’s really an inspiration to our young people, showing them that anything is possible, that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.”
Below are some pictures of Whitecloud’s community cheering him on as his team won the Stanley Cup.
