As Zach Whitecloud and the Vegas Golden Knights made their historic run through the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, all of Bemidji State University was swept up in the excitement.

The mania exploded when the former Beaver scored the game-winning goal during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, then peaked when he lifted the cup after winning the series on June 13. So it was only natural that the buzz resurfaced when Whitecloud returned to Bemidji.

“It’s really cool to see,” Whitecloud said. “Obviously this town loves its hockey and the Beavers are a big part of that. To be able to be a hockey player and a part of the school is something I take a lot of pride in. Coming back and giving back in some sort of way to the fans that supported us as a team throughout the years, it’s something I’m always excited to do.”

It’s never been clearer than when Whitecloud raised the Cup: He’s the pride of Brandon, Manitoba and the product of Bemidji State tradition.

“One of the toughest feats is to win the Stanley Cup,” BSU men’s hockey head coach Tom Serratore said. “Zach was an elite player for the Golden Knights throughout the playoffs. I am proud of him and know our Beaver fans everywhere are proud too.”

Whitecloud played two seasons for Bemidji State from 2016-18, then advanced to the professional ranks and became the eighth former Beaver to play in the NHL.

He’s been a strong source of pride at BSU, evidenced by his weekend in town for the 26th annual Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament in July. Whitecloud joined 208 others for the summertime tradition at the Bemidji Town and Country Club in support of BSU men’s hockey. In addition to gathering generations of alumni for a grand reunion on the golf course, an event-record $41,000 was raised to support the program.

On top of the dollar amount, the Beaver Hockey community enjoyed a rousing weekend. Whitecloud spent Thursday night at The Tavern on South Shore, signing autographs for a packed crowd of supporters. About 400 fans came out to meet Whitecloud, collect his signature on memorabilia and share in a weekend packed with so much Beaver Fever that it could have passed for the Frozen Four.
“I’m just happy to be back,” Whitecloud said. “There were a lot of people who came out, which was really awesome. I love to see the support.”

Whitecloud also spent time at the American Indian Resource Center on the BSU campus, meeting with AIRC staff and connecting with executive director Chrissy Downwind. Whitecloud is the first Indigenous NHL player from the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation to win the Stanley Cup.
Friday’s main event on the golf course featured a best-ball tournament between 43 teams, many comprised of former Bemidji State hockey players. It’s a fraternity that bridges all generations of Beaver hockey.

“It’s all about learning how to be a part of the culture and eventually become a leader, then pass it down to different classes of guys coming in,” Whitecloud said. “That was something I was excited to be a part of. I’m very grateful to be a part of this culture and such a historic program.”

Cup Connection

Plenty of eyes were on Whitecloud during the Stanley Cup Finals, but only one person had ever truly been in his shoes.

In 1989, former Bemidji State great Joel Otto became the first Beaver to win the Stanley Cup, doing so with the Calgary Flames. No BSU alum had done it since and Otto was more than happy to welcome Whitecloud into the exclusive club.

“It was incredibly special,” Otto said of watching Whitecloud. “He should be awfully proud. He’s done himself and our school here very proud.”

Otto and Whitecloud met for the first time during the Nagle, instantly creating a historic moment from the first tee box. Otto was a BSU teammate of the late Galen Nagle, a national champion goalie and namesake of July’s tournament.

“Obviously Tom Serratore must be proud to see Zach perform the way that he did in the playoffs. He was a rock star,” Otto said. “I’m sure Zach won’t be the last cup winner either, so I’m looking forward to the next group of guys who challenge for that. But we’ll enjoy this one for now.”

Otto and Whitecloud have an impressive shared experience — lifting the greatest trophy in sports — and yet they said the feeling is nearly impossible to put into words. But around each other, they don’t need to. They both know.

“People ask me all the time, but it really is hard to describe,” Whitecloud said of raising the cup. “Your mind is moving a million miles an hour. Just grateful, right? Because you hear stories all the time about guys who have gone through

their careers without even getting close. The first thing that comes to mind is grateful and I’m just proud to be part of that organization.”

“You can just sit back and be proud of the fact that you’re part of a group that was pretty special. It bonds you for life,” Otto added. “Zach will realize that with his team. Just like all our Beaver teams here: We’re family.”

By Micah Friez