Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – It’s been an unorthodox hockey journey for Brandonite Zach Whitecloud.
The former Vincent Massey Viking will have an opportunity to wear the maple leaf on the front of his jersey as he gets prepared to play for Team Canada at the Kajara Cup in Biel, Switzerland next week.
The tournament is used by Hockey Canada as an evaluation tool to determine the roster for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyongyang, South Korea in February.
"Being able to represent the flag on a sweater and play for Team Canada is something I always dreamed of doing but didn’t think I’d be able to do," said Whitecloud. "It’s going to be an incredible experience and is one I’m looking forward to."
Whitecloud’s road to the Olympic Games certainly wasn’t a normal route through the upper echelons of the hockey world. After playing minor hockey in Brandon, he was cut by the Brandon AAA Midget Wheat Kings in 2011/2012 and played in the Westman High School Hockey League.
After switching regions and playing with the Central Plains AAA Capitals for a year, Whitecloud returned to Brandon for his final year of midget hockey where he posted 21 points in 43 games.
In the 2015-16 season, Whitecloud laced up his skates for the Virden Junior ‘A’ Oil Capitals and quickly became a fan favourite. The 6’2" defenceman appeared in 118 games for the MJHL club registering 50 points and was also named an MJHL All-Star.
After weighing his options, Whitecloud signed a National Letter of Intent with the NCAA Division 1 Bemidji State University hockey club and chose to forego his overage season in Virden.
Whitecloud suited up in 41 games for the Beavers in his freshman year and was named to the NCAA All-Rookie Team. His impressive freshman also got him noticed by the NHL, as he earned a development camp tryout with the Los Angeles Kings
"He had a great freshman year and he’s obviously having a very good sophomore year and he’s being recognized for his talent," said Beavers Head Coach Tom Serratore. "Zach is a world-class person. Team Canada wants to make sure they have high character kids on their teams and Zach Whitecloud is a high character kid."
Whitecloud and Team Canada open up the Kajara Cup on Wednesday, November 8th vs Switzerland.