This year's Thanksgiving is a good holiday for Zach Whitecloud. The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman turns 28 on Thursday, getting him closer to his prime. The native of Brandon, Manitoba, has been a key blue-liner for the Golden Knights, providing ample defense. He's done it all, from blocking shots (449 career blocked shots) to checking opponents (445 career hits).
Being a pure defenseman is a thankless job in today's NHL. Nowadays, people look for the offensively-minded blue-liners. They want someone who regularly contributes to the attack, making their transition game go. Think of names like Noah Hanifin and Shea Theodore as perfect examples (and Alex Pietrangelo, although he's a better defender).
Still, it's Whitecloud's birthday, meaning it's his day today. Yes, it's Thanksgiving and we must give thanks to everyone and everything in our lives. That includes the Golden Knights, who've graced us with eight seasons of unrivaled success. However, the birthday boy gets his moment to shine, meaning he gets more food on his plate.
With that, here are some of the best moments from the defenseman. Of course, they're not just on the ice. They're also amazing off-ice contributions, where he shows his kindness and contributions to the Las Vegas community. That includes giving back to the community and marginalized groups. Let's celebrate Whitecloud and what he brings to the table for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Celebrating Zach Whitecloud on his big day
Everyone knows Whitecloud is a vital part of the Golden Knights organization. He brings a classic defensive-minded style to the team, keeping them from allowing countless shots on the netminder. However, he has his shining moments when playing offense. Take this Game 1 winner in the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals as a perfect example.
ZACH WHITECLOUD'S FIRST #StanleyCup FINAL GOAL IS A GAME-WINNER!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/9pJ7OxIUBI
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 4, 2023
The native of Brandon, Manitoba, fired a wrist shot past the face-off circles, netting a game-winning goal. It established the tone for the team, getting them their first Stanley Cup four games later. Without Whitecloud blasting a shot past three defenders, how would the Golden Knights win the game?
Of course, it helps to have Jack Eichel and Mark Stone win your first Stanley Cup. However, the defenseman had an excellent series, scoring a goal and two assists. Without him, the Golden Knights would've had their hands full with the Florida Panthers. Remember they were loaded with goal-scorers such as Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart.
But there are also the defensive side of things, where he's averaging 137 blocked shots and 136 hits per season. With the team missing defensemen like Alec Martinez, having Whitecloud around has made the team steady from a defensive standpoint. Without him, the team is more vulnerable to the transition game and being more prone to opponents firing the puck.
Today is a day everyone is giving thanks for everything in their lives. That includes our closest friends and family, celebrating with a big feast. But fans should be thankful for what Whitecloud has done in his time with the Golden Knights. He might not be the perfect player. But he's just as vital to the team's cause as other big names like Alex Pietrangelo and Jack Eichel.