Zach Whitecloud Signs with Vegas Golden Knights

Bemidji State’s season ended last Saturday at the hands of Michigan Tech in the WCHA playoffs. That meant BSU sophomore defenseman Zach Whitecloud, one of the top free agents in college hockey this year, was officially on the market.

On Thursday, it was announced that Whitecloud had chosen to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights over multiple other offers.

As the tweet says, Whitecloud’s deal is a three-year entry level contract, beginning this season. He is expected to join the Knights’ NHL team for their game in Buffalo on Friday.

Whitecloud had four goals and 15 assists in 19 games for the Beavers this season. Listed at 6-1 196 lbs., Whitecloud is a strong defender and exceptional skater for his size. He’s a late-bloomer that really started to grow into his body over his two years in Bemidji. He’s not likely to be a big offensive producer at the NHL level, but should be a steady second or third pairing presence. Whitecloud was close to making the Canadian Olympic team this year, skating with the Canadians in a pre-Olympic tournament.

Here is Vegas general manager George McPhee talking about the signing: